Nutrition Flashcards
What are the two main modes of nutrition?
Autotrophic and heterotrophic
Differentiate between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.
Autotrophic nutrition is the process by which green plants manufacture their own food by converting solar energy into chemical energy whereas heterotrophic nutrition is the process where organisms that cannot make their own food obtain their food either directly or indirectly from plants or other organisms.
State some examples of heterotrophs.
- parasites
- saprophytes
- predators
- grazers.
What are the raw materials needed by a plant for photosynthesis and what adaptation they have for obtaining these materials?
Light- pigments in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast absorb light from the sun.
carbon dioxide- stomata on the lower surface of the leaf are open to allow for diffusion of co2 from the air into the leaves.
water- root hairs increase the surface area for absorption.
How is the palisade layer adapted to photosynthesis?
They are filled with chloroplasts to absorb maximum light for photosynthesis.
How is the mesophyll layer adapted to photosynthesis?
they have plenty of air spaces that increase the surface area inside the leaf to maximise photosynthesis.
What is the by-product of photosynthesis?
Oxygen
What is the process of food hydrolysis known for in plants?
Respiration
Why cannot charged ions diffuse through the cell membrane?
due to mineral concentration often being higher inside a plant than outside.
State 2 functions of nitrogen in plants and what excess of it can cause.
- component of proteins
- part of the chlorophyll molecule.
It can delay maturity and cause excess growth.
State 2 functions of potassium and what excess can cause.
-helps in disease resistance
- increases quality for fruits and vegetables.
Causes the tips of leaves to turn brown.
State 2 functions of phosphorous and what excess can do.
-speeds up maturity
- important in seed and fruit formation.
Delays maturity and failure of seeds to form.
State 2 functions of calcium and what excess can do.
- strengthens cell walls
- plant root and tip elongation.
Causes failure of terminal bud to develop and affects new growth.
State 2 functions of magnesium .
-component of chlorophyll
-large quantities found in seeds.
