Fern Leaf (Cross Section)
Polypodiopsida
A cross section of a fern frond or pinna (Fern leaf Sec.) stained red/pink, illustrating typical pteridophyte leaf anatomy and reproductive structures. The thin leaf blade (lamina) features single-layered upper and lower epidermal cell layers enclosing a mesophyll composed of photosynthetic parenchyma cells with abundant intercellular air spaces. Small vascular bundles with thick-walled xylem elements and phloem tissue are distributed along the blade length, with a central midrib vein providing structural support. On the abaxial surface, a sorus is visible, protected by an indusium flap and containing multiple sporangia filled with developing spores, characteristic of leptosporangiate fern reproduction.
- Category
- Botany & Plants
- Magnification
- 20x
- Stain
- Safranin
- Tags
- Fern leaf cross section, fern leaf, fern frond, pteridophyte leaf, leaf cross section, sorus, sporangia, indusium, spores, mesophyll, epidermis, vascular bundle, xylem, phloem, plant histology, botany
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