B5 Plant Nutrition Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants make carbohydrates using energy from sunlight
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + water (+ light & chlorophyll) -> glucose + oxygen
Ext: What is the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Ext: What is the function of chlorophyll?
To absorb light energy and convert it into chemical energy.
Ext: What is glucose used for by a plant?
Respiration
Ext: How is glucose stored in a plant?
As starch
Ext: What other types of molecules can glucose be converted into?
Proteins and oils
What are the four factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Light, water, CO2 and temperature
Ext: How do light, water and carbon dioxide concentration affect rate of photosynthesis?
As light/CO2/water increases, photosynthesis increases. At a certain point, rate of photosynthesis levels off.
Name the four layers of a leaf, from top to bottom
Upper epidermis (with cuticle), palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, lower epidermis (with stomata and guard cells).
Ext: What is the function of the palisade mesophyll of a leaf?
Photosynthesis
Ext: What is the function of the spongy mesophyll of a leaf?
To supply CO2 and H2O to the palisade layer
Ext: What is the function of stomata?
To allow gas exchange/CO2 in and O2 out during the day/
Ext: What is the function of guard cells?
To control whether the stomata are open or closed.
Ext: How are palisade mesophyll cells adapted to their function?
Lots of chloroplasts, large vacuole and cylindrical shape allow them to absorb light and store carbohydrates.
Ext: How are spongy mesophyll cells adapted to their function?
Irregular shaped cells have air spaces between them for fluids to diffuse
Ext: How are guard cells adapted to their function?
They can change shape to open and close the stomata.
What are nitrates used for by plants?
To make proteins
What is magnesium used for by plants?
To make chlorophyll
Ext: What is the effect of nitrate deficiency on a plant?
It cannot make proteins, so it won’t be able to grow
Ext: What is the symptom of nitrate deficiency in a plant?
Poor growth and pale leaves
Ext: What is the effect of magnesium deficiency in a plant?
It can’t make chlorophyll so it won’t be able to photosynthesise
Ext: What is the symptom of magnesium deficiency in a plant?
Yellow spots on the leaves
