Nutrition in flowering plants Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
- Process in which plants use energy from sunlight to convert CO2 and H2O into molecules needed for growth.
- Uses light energy from the sun to create chemical energy (GLUCOSE) - conserves energy from the sun.
How does the process of photosynthesis work?
- Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll - (green chemical).
- This energy allows production of glucose by the reaction CO2 + H2O.
- Oxygen is a bi-product of photosynthesis -> excreted out of plant through the stomata.
What is the WORD EQUATION for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + water — (light)—-> glucose + oxygen
What is the BALANCED SYMBOL EQUATION for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O — (light)—-> C6H12O6 + 6O2
What is the structure of a leaf?
Wax cuticle Upper epidermis Palisade mesophyll Spongy mesophyll Lower epidermis
What is the function of the Wax cuticle?
- Outer most protective layer to prevent water loss
via evaporation.
What is the function of the Upper epidermis?
- Thin + transparent layer of cells allowing light to enter Palisade mesophyll.
What is the function of the Palisade Mesophyll?
- Layer tightly packed with chloroplasts to maximise light absorption for photosynthesis.
What is the function of the Spongy mesophyll?
- Layer containing internal air spaces to increase surface area to volume ratio for diffusion of gases. (mainly CO2)
What does the lower epidermis contain?
Guard cells + stomata
What is the function of the lower epidermis?
Guard cells: control opening + closing of stomata by absorbing + losing water to regulate gas exchange and prevent water loss via evaporation.
Stomata: mouth-shaped opening controlled by guard cells to regulate gas exchange + prevent water loss (via transpiration).
What are the adaptations of plant structures for photosynthesis?
LARGE SURFACE AREA THIN CHLOROPHYLL NETWORK OF VEINS STOMATA
Why do plants have a large surface area? (relating to photosynthesis)
Increase surface area for duffusion of CO2 and absorbtion of light for photosynthesis.
Why is the structure of plants thin? (relating to photosynthesis)
Shor diffusion length = increases the rate of diffusion of CO2 into the leaf cells (e.g chloroplasts)
Why do plants have a network of veins? (relating to photosynthesis)
To support the leaf and transport water for PHOTOSYNTHESIS + TRANSPIRATION (via xylem) + CARBOHYDRATES produced by photosynthesis (via phloem) from soures to sinks.
