Plant nutrition Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
An endothermic reaction which produces glucose from carbon dioxide and water using energy from sunlight. It also produces and releases oxygen as a waste product
Where does photosynthesis take place?
Chloroplasts
Why are chloroplasts green?
They contain the green pigment chlorophyll
What is chlorophyll?
A green pigment found in chloroplasts, responsible for absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis
What is the balanced formula of photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H20 –> C6H12O6 + 6O2
What are the products of photosynthesis?
Glucose, which can be used for the following:
- An energy source for respiration
- To make starch, used for storage
- Can be combined with nitrate ions to make amino acids
- Form cellulose to make cell walls
What factors affect photosynthesis?
- Temperature
- Light intensity
- Concentration of carbon dioxide
Draw a graph to show the effect of temperature on photosynthesis
Draw a graph to show the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis
Draw a graph to show the effect of carbon dioxide concentration on photosynthesis
What mineral ions do plants need, where are they found and what are they used for?
- Mineral ions are found in the soil
- Plants absorb these mineral ions using their root hair cells
- Magnesium ions and nitrate ions are both needed for plants
- Magnesium ions are used to make chlorophyll
- Nitrate ions are used to make amino acids
In order, what is the structure of a leaf cell?
- Waxy cuticle
- Upper epidermis
- Palisade mesophyll
- Spongy mesophyll
- Lower epidermis (contains guard cells and stomata)
What is the waxy cuticle?
A protective layer on top of the leaf which prevents water evaporation
What is the upper epidermis?
A thin, transparent layer which lets light pass to the palisade mesophyll
What is the palisade mesophyll?
A layer containing column-shaped cells, packed with chloroplasts to maximise photosynthesis
