OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

How do leaves with a larger surface area benefit a plant?

1. They reduce water loss

2. They can absorb more sunlight

3. They provide better support

4. They produce more oxygen

The correct answer is: They can absorb more sunlight

Leaves with a larger surface area benefit a plant primarily by enhancing photosynthesis, as they can absorb more sunlight. Increased surface area allows for a greater number of chlorophyll-containing cells, which are essential for capturing light energy necessary for the photosynthetic process. This means the plant can convert more light energy into chemical energy, ultimately leading to increased sugar production, which is vital for the plant's growth and energy needs. While the other choices suggest potential advantages, such as water retention, structural support, and oxygen production, they do not directly address how a larger surface area specifically contributes to sunlight absorption. Therefore, the ability to capture more sunlight due to a larger area is the most direct benefit that leads to greater photosynthetic efficiency.