Photosynthesis and Plant Minerals

Organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis, using light energy to convert inorganic substances into organic compounds.

The process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

The building up of complex organic molecules from simpler inorganic molecules, requiring energy input (like in photosynthesis).

The breakdown of complex organic molecules into simpler molecules, releasing energy (like in respiration).

Essential nutrients for plant growth, absorbed from the soil in the form of ions.

Nitrate (NO3-) and Ammonium (NH4+) are the major forms of nitrogen found in soil.

Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll.

Poor growth, yellow leaves, and stunted development are common symptoms of nitrogen deficiency in plants.

Phosphate ions (PO43-) are the main form of phosphorus found in soil.

Phosphorus plays a crucial role in the synthesis of cell membranes, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), and nucleic acids.

Poor growth, purple leaves, and underdeveloped roots are common symptoms of phosphorus deficiency in plants.

Magnesium ions (Mg2+) are the main form of magnesium found in soil.

Magnesium is essential for the synthesis of chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis.

The rate of photosynthesis is greater than the rate of respiration. The plant produces more food than it consumes, resulting in net food production for growth.

The rate of photosynthesis is equal to the rate of respiration. There is no net gain or loss of carbon dioxide. The plant is neither growing nor shrinking.

This indicates that the rate of respiration is greater than the rate of photosynthesis. The plant is consuming more food than it produces.

The plant only carries out respiration, breaking down food for energy.

The rate of photosynthesis is much greater than the rate of respiration. The plant is producing a lot of food and growing rapidly.

The process of gas exchange in leaves involves the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the plant and the environment.

Stomata are tiny pores on the surface of leaves that allow gases to enter and exit.

Gases from the environment diffuse into the air space within the leaf through the stomata.

Oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolve in the water film on mesophyll cell surfaces and then diffuse into the cells.

Submerged aquatic plants lack a cuticle and stomata on their leaves, allowing gas exchange directly through their surfaces.

Floating aquatic plants have stomata only on their upper epidermis, enabling gas exchange from the air.

Herbaceous stems have stomata for gas exchange, similar to leaves.

Woody stems have lenticels, small openings in the bark, which allow for gas exchange.