Nutrition in Plants

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of chlorophyll in plants?

It protects the plant from pests.

It stores nutrients in the plant.

It helps in water absorption.

It captures sunlight for energy. (correct)

Heterotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from inorganic substances.

False

Name one example of an insectivorous plant.

Pitcher plant

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into food using sunlight is called __________.

photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Autotrophs = Organisms that create their own food Parasites = Organisms that derive nutrients from a host Heterotrophs = Organisms that depend on others for food Algae = Aquatic organisms that perform photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is saprotrophic nutrition?

Digestion of dead and decaying organic matter Signup and view all the answers

Plants that exhibit saprotrophic nutrition are known as parasites.

False Signup and view all the answers

What kind of relationship is established when organisms share shelter and nutrients?

Symbiotic relationship Signup and view all the answers

Organisms that digest dead and decaying organic matter are called __________.

saprotrophs Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to nutrition:

Saprotrophic nutrition = Digestion of dead organic matter Symbiotic relationship = Mutual benefit in resource sharing Nutrients = Essential for growth and development Saprotrophs = Plants that digest decaying matter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nutrition Overview

Nutrition refers to how organisms acquire and utilize food.
Autotrophic nutrition involves organisms synthesizing food from simple inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide and water.

Key Components of Photosynthesis

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants essential for capturing sunlight energy.
Photosynthesis occurs when green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen, facilitated by sunlight and chlorophyll.
Chemical equation: $Carbon \ dioxide + Water \xrightarrow{Sunlight} \xrightarrow{Chlorophyll} Carbohydrate + Oxygen$

Cell Structure

Living organisms are composed of cells, the basic unit of life.
Cells are enclosed by a membrane, containing cytoplasm and a centrally located nucleus.

Dependence on Green Plants

Almost all living organisms rely directly or indirectly on the food produced by green plants.

Algae

Algae are simple, aquatic plants lacking differentiated stems, roots, and leaves, characterized by their green color due to chlorophyll.
Algae synthesize their food through photosynthesis.

Heterotrophs and Their Dependence

Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on other organisms for sustenance, including animals and non-green plants.

Parasites and Hosts

Parasites derive nutrients from host organisms without benefiting them; examples include Cuscuta (Amarbel) and lice.
Hosts provide nutrients to parasites but receive no benefits in return.

Insectivorous Plants

Insectivorous plants trap and digest insects to obtain nitrogen, which is not available from the soil.
These plants can perform photosynthesis but require insects for nitrogenous nutrients; examples include the pitcher plant, sundew, and bladderwort.

Saprotrophic Nutrition

Saprotrophic nutrition involves digesting dead and decaying organic matter by secreting enzymes, followed by the absorption of nutrients in solution form.
Saprotrophs (or saprophytes) are plants that utilize this mode of nutrition.

Symbiotic Relationships

Some organisms coexist and share shelter and nutrients, creating a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit.

Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of plant nutrition, focusing on autotrophic nutrition and the role of chlorophyll. Understand how plants synthesize food using sunlight and inorganic substances. Test your knowledge on these fundamental topics in botany.