Question

Which surface (upper or lower ) is the dorsal and which is ventral side of a leaf?

Answer 1

Ventral:

1. The ventral term has been derived from a Latin word 'venter' meaning 'belly'.
2. Therefore, it refers to the surface to the front or lower side of an organism.
3. In leaves, the side facing the sun having more number of chlorophyll, i.e., upper surface is the ventral side.
4. Because in closed condition this dark green surface is curved inward towards the stem axis.

Dorsal:

1. The dorsal term has been derived from a Latin word 'dorsum' meaning 'back'.
2. Therefore, it refers to the surface to the back or upper side of an organism.
3. In leaves, the side facing against the sun having less number of chlorophyll, i.e., lower surface is the dorsal side.
4. It is because in closed condition the lower light green coloured surface is exposed and faces opposite to the stem axis.