The data on the structural-functional changes in the photosynthetic apparatus of Typha latifolia L. (Typhaceae family) under the influence of the Karabash copper smelter (KCS, the town of Karabash, the Chelyabinsk Region) are presented. The coastal zone of the lake of Irtyash (the Chelyabinsk Region, 55 km from KCS) was used as a non-contaminated site. In the contaminated site, the thickness of the T ldtifolia. leaf was increased, mainly due to the aerenchyma proportion increase. The decrease in the number of mesophyll cells was accompanied by an increase in their volume, while the changes in the parameters of chloroplasts were unreliable. The decrease in the rate of CO2 uptake correlated with a decrease in the photosynthetic pigments content. At the same time, no significant changes were observed in the phototrophic tissues structure and consequently in the conductivity of the leaf for CO2. The results of this study indicate a high resistance of T latfolia to a prolonged technogenic impact, probably due to compensatory structural changes in the photosynthetic apparatus. The significant increase in the epidermis thickness and the aerenchyma proportion also contribute to the survival of plants under multicomponent contamination.