mesophyll

[ mez-uh-fil, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the parenchyma, usually containing chlorophyll, that forms the interior parts of a leaf.

mesophyll

/ ˈmɛsəʊˌfɪl /

noun

1. the soft chlorophyll-containing tissue of a leaf between the upper and lower layers of epidermis: involved in photosynthesis

mesophyll

/ mĕz′ə-fĭl′ /

1. The tissues of a leaf that are located in between the layers of epidermis and carry on photosynthesis, consisting of the palisade layer and the spongy parenchyma . Most mesophyll cells contain chloroplasts.

Derived Forms

• ˌmesoˈphyllic, adjective

Other Words From

• meso·phyllic meso·phyllous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesophyll¹

First recorded in 1830–40; meso- + -phyll

Example Sentences

Around 95% of plants use C3 photosynthesis, in which mesophyll cells -- green spongy cells that live inside leaves -- turn light, water, and carbon dioxide into plant-powering sugars.

From Science Daily

C4 plants recruit bundle sheath cells, which normally serve as leaf vein support, to photosynthesize alongside mesophyll cells.

From Science Daily

While previous methods were too imprecise to distinguish neighboring cells like mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, single-cell genomics allowed the team to investigate the genetic and structural changes in each cell type from both plants.

From Science Daily

The sensors can enter leaves through pores called stomata and take up residence in the mesophyll -- the layer where most photosynthesis takes place.

From Science Daily

Additionally, the C4 photosynthesis pathway starts in mesophyll cells that comprise the surface of the leaf, and then moves into bundle sheath cells that are deeper in the plant.

From Science Daily