Broad and flattened lamina; to increase surface area; for absorption of light;
Thin blade; to reduce distance for diffusion of gases and penetration of light waves;

Transparent epidermis and cuticle; to allow light to penetrate to tissues;
Cuticle layer absent on stomata; to allow for gaseous exchange;
One-cell thick epidermal layer; to reduce the distance over which sunlight penetrates;
Palisade cells have numerous chloroplasts containing chlorophyll; to trap maximum amounts of light energy;
Have stomata on the epidermis; to allow for gaseous exchange; and control of water loss through transpiration;
