Modeling leaf lamella structure

Problem solved: development of a three-dimensional model of the photosynthetic tissues of the leaf.

Solution: Images of the plant photosynthetic apparatus are analyzed to produce data used to calculate the model. SIMAGIS MesoPlantв„ў includes the specialized modules to determine parameters of leaves, tissues and cells. Analyzed images are produced by means of optical microscopy.

Modeling process consists of four stages:

1. Composing palisade parenchyma by sequential packing of spherocylinders. Each spherocylinder represents a particular cell of palisade parenchyma. Parameters of spherocylinders match the measured real parameters of palisade cells obtained with specialized SIMAGIS MesoPlantв„ў "MICRO" application.
2. Creating the vein as an elongated spherocylinder. Diameter of spherocylinder matches the actual diameter of a leaf vein obtained with specialized SIMAGIS MesoPlantв„ў "MESO" application.
3. Composing spongy parenchyma by sequential packing of spheres or convex particles, looking like spheres with outgrowths. Each sphere or convex particle represents a particular cell of spongy parenchyma. Sizes and shape of model particles match the measured real parameters of spongy cells obtained with specialized SIMAGIS MesoPlantв„ў "MICRO" application.
4. Calculating the overall parameters like the volume of mesophyll in a leaf, the volume of intercellular air space, the area of the mesophyll free surface, potential mesophyll conductance for CO₂.

The model can be applied to reach the following goals:

• calculation of the overall leaf parameters;
• working out and investigation of the leaf architecture morphological types;
• study of the gas exchange processes in the leaf and relations among structural and functional parameters of plants;
• research of the light absorbance and reflectance by the leaf and estimation of the possible photon pathways within the leaf.