How do bundle sheath cells differ from mesophyll cells in a leaf?

Bundle sheath cells play a crucial role in the anatomy and function of leaves, especially in plants that utilize the C4 photosynthetic pathway. One of the primary differences between bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells is the number of chloroplasts they contain. Bundle sheath cells typically have a higher number of chloroplasts, which is essential for their function in carbon fixation and the Calvin cycle, particularly in C4 plants where the initial carbon fixation occurs in these cells.

Mesophyll cells, on the other hand, are more loosely arranged and occupy the space between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf. While they also contain chloroplasts and are crucial for photosynthesis, their arrangement and role differ significantly from those of the bundle sheath cells.

In summary, the higher number of chloroplasts in bundle sheath cells is vital for their enhanced role in photosynthesis, particularly in C4 plants, making them distinct from mesophyll cells, which do not have as high a concentration of chloroplasts and are structured differently within the leaf architecture.