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
What is the spongy mesophyll?
A layer with internal air gaps, which increase SA:V ratio, to allow gases to diffuse, especially carbon dioxide
What is the lower epidermis?
A layer containing guard cells and stomata
What is a guard cell?
Guard cells regulate the opening and closing of the stomata through changes in their shape and turgor pressure (by absorbing and losing water)
What are stomata?
Stomata is where gas exchange takes place. It is open during the day and closes during the night.
What is the xylem?
The xylem is a plant tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots, to the rest of the plant
What is the phloem?
The phloem is a plant tissue responsible for transporting sucrose and amino acids around the leaf
