Plant Nutrition Flashcards
How Plants Obtain Food
Plants acquire food in two primary ways—
either by
• producing their own food (Autotrophic Nutrition ) or by • relying on external sources (Heterotrophic Nutrition)
What classification of Plants are capable of producing their own food using simple inorganic substances
Autotrophic Nutrition
This process, called photosynthesis, utilizes carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and sunlight to generate?
glucose and oxygen
The ___________ plant cells enable photosynthesis process by capturing sunlight.
green pigment chlorophyllin
Autotrophic Nutrition example plants
Green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria are autotrophs that rely on photosynthesis
plants that cannot manufacture their own food and must obtain nutrients from external sources. These plants have developed specialized adaptations to acquire nutrients.
Heterotrophic Nutrition
Types of Heterotrophic plants
- Parasitic plants
- Symbiotic plants
- Epiphytes
- Saprophytic plants
- Insectivorous plants
Extract nutrients from a host plant, often weakening or killing the host (ex. Dodder).
Parasitic plants
absorb nutrients from decaying organic matter, often in association with fungi (ex. Indian Pipe).
- Saprophytic plants
form mutually beneficial relationships with other organisms, such as fungi (e.g., Mycorrhizal plants, lichens).
- Symbiotic plants
grow on other plants but do not extract nutrients from them; they rely on moisture and nutrients from the air (ex. Orchids, Spanish moss).
- Epiphytes
capture and digest insects to obtain essential nutrients, often due to growing in nutrient-poor soil (ex. Venus flytrap, Pitcher plant).
- Insectivorous plants
Plants with Both Modes of Nutrition
Some plants exhibit both autotrophic and heterotrophic traits, meaning they can photosynthesize but also obtain nutrients from other sources when needed. Examples include:
• Pitcher plant
• Venus flytrap
Performs photosynthesis but also traps insects for nutrients.
Pitcher plant
Uses photosynthesis but supplements its diet with insects due to nitrogen-poor soil.
Venus flytrap
Nutritional Requirements of Plants
To grow and thrive, plants require essential nutrients that support various physiological processes.
Water
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Soil Nutrients
- Essential for plant metabolism, cell structure, and nutrient transport.
- Absorbed by roots and transported through the xylem to different parts of the plant.
- A key reactant in photosynthesis and cellular functions.
Water
- Absorbed from the atmosphere through the stomata in leaves.
- Used in photosynthesis to produce glucose and release oxygen.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
- Plants absorb minerals from the soil through their roots.
- Soil composition affects plant growth, and deficiencies can lead to poor development.
Soil Nutrients
Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Plants require both: •macronutrients (needed in large amounts) and
•micronutrients (needed in small amounts) for healthy growth.
Macronutrients (Essential for basic growth and development)
- Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O) – Fundamental elements for plant structure and photosynthesis.
- Nitrogen (N) – Vital for protein and chlorophyll synthesis.
- Phosphorus (P) – Essential for energy transfer (ATP) and root development.
- Potassium (K) – Helps regulate water balance and enzyme activation.
- Calcium (Ca) – Strengthens cell walls.
- Magnesium (Mg) – Key component of chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
- Sulfur (S) – Important for amino acids and enzymes.
Micronutrients that are Fundamental elements for plant structure and photosynthesis.
- Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O)
Vital for protein and chlorophyll synthesis.
Nitrogen (N) –
Essential for energy transfer (ATP) and root development.
Phosphorus (P) –
Helps regulate water balance and enzyme activation.
Potassium (K)
Strengthens cell walls.
Calcium (Ca)
Key component of chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
Magnesium (Mg)
Important for amino acids and enzymes.
Sulfur (S)
Micronutrients (Required for specific plant functions)
- Iron (Fe) – Involved in chlorophyll production and electron transport.
- Manganese (Mn) – Aids in enzyme activity.
- Boron (B) – Helps in cell wall formation and reproductive growth.
- Molybdenum (Mo) – Assists in nitrogen fixation.
- Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) – Essential for enzyme function.
- Chlorine (Cl), Nickel (Ni), Silicon (Si), Sodium (Na) – Play minor but crucial roles in plant metabolism.
a modern agricultural technique that allows plants to grow without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions instead.
Hydroponics (A Soil-Free Growing Method)
Benefits of Hydroponics
- Optimizes plant growth by providing balanced nutrients.
- Uses significantly less water than traditional farming.
- Plants grow quicker due to direct nutrient absorption.
- Ideal for urban areas and greenhouse farming.
Common crops grown hydroponically include
lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs.
Importance of Plant Nutrition
Understanding plant nutrition is essential for agriculture and food production.
- Proper nutrient balance leads to higher crop yields and healthier plants.
Nutrient deficiencies or excesses can affect plant growth.
- Deficiencies cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor fruit production.
- Excess nutrients can lead to toxicity and imbalances in plant metabolism.
Sustainable practices improve soil fertility.
- Nitrogen-fixing bacteria reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
- Organic composting and crop rotation help maintain soil health.
Involved in chlorophyll production and electron transport.
Iron (Fe)
Aids in enzyme activity.
Manganese (Mn)
Helps in cell wall formation and reproductive growth.
Boron (B)
Assists in nitrogen fixation.
Molybdenum (Mo)
Essential for enzyme function.
Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn)
Play minor but crucial roles in plant metabolism.
Chlorine (Cl), Nickel (Ni), Silicon (Si), Sodium (Na)
