Answer:
b. The spongy mesophyll cells have spaces between them that allow for gas exchange, whereas the palisade mesophyll cells conduct most of the plant's photosynthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a leaf's structure, the palisade mesophyll cells are located in the upper layer and are primarily responsible for photosynthesis. They contain chloroplasts and are densely packed, allowing for efficient light absorption and the conversion of light energy into chemical energy (glucose) through photosynthesis.
On the other hand, the spongy mesophyll cells are situated below the palisade layer and are loosely arranged with spaces between them. These spaces facilitate gas exchange, allowing carbon dioxide to enter for photosynthesis and oxygen to exit as a byproduct. While spongy mesophyll cells contain chloroplasts and can perform photosynthesis, they are not as specialized for this process as the palisade cells.
Therefore, the palisade mesophyll cells are more directly involved in conducting most of the plant's photosynthesis, while the spongy mesophyll cells primarily aid in gas exchange within the leaf.