1. The tissue in a leaf between the upper and lower epidermis, containing chloroplasts and responsible for photosynthesis.
Usage: biology; botany

Examples

• The mesophyll of a leaf is where most photosynthesis occurs.
• Chloroplasts are concentrated in the mesophyll cells of green leaves.
• The mesophyll layer is divided into the palisade parenchyma and spongy parenchyma.
• In many plants, the mesophyll adapts to different light conditions.
• The structure of the mesophyll varies depending on whether the plant grows in shade or sunlight.