Nutrition in Plants

Nutrition in Plants – Class 7 Science

Nutrition is the process by which living organisms obtain and utilize food to carry out various life activities. In the case of plants, this process is unique and fascinating. Unlike animals, most plants have the ability to prepare their own food through a process known as photosynthesis. This ability is a fundamental feature of green plants and plays a vital role in maintaining life on Earth. Plants use simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water to make glucose, a type of sugar that provides energy. This conversion takes place in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll, a green pigment found in the leaves.

Did You Know? Green plants are also known as autotrophs because they can produce their own food, while animals and humans are called heterotrophs as they depend on others for food.

Photosynthesis: The Food Factory of Plants

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants prepare their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. This takes place mainly in the leaves of the plant, which contain chlorophyll that absorbs sunlight. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air through tiny pores in the leaves called stomata. The roots absorb water from the soil, which travels up to the leaves through special tubes called xylem. The sunlight provides the energy needed for the chemical reaction to occur. As a result, glucose is formed, which is stored in different parts of the plant, and oxygen is released as a by-product.

Types of Nutrition in Plants

While most plants are autotrophic, some have adapted to acquire nutrition in different ways due to their environment or lack of chlorophyll. These are classified as heterotrophic plants. Heterotrophic nutrition in plants includes types like parasitic, saprophytic, symbiotic, and insectivorous nutrition. Each type of heterotrophic plant nutrition reflects nature's incredible diversity and the survival tactics of various species.

Heterotrophic Nutrition in Detail

• Parasitic Plants: These plants depend on other living plants for food. For example, Cuscuta (Amarbel) wraps itself around the host plant and absorbs nutrients through special roots called haustoria.
• Saprophytic Plants: These plants obtain nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter. Fungi like mushrooms are excellent examples of saprophytes.
• Symbiotic Plants: Some plants live in mutual harmony with other organisms. For instance, lichens are a symbiotic association between algae and fungi where both partners benefit from each other.
• Insectivorous Plants: These plants trap and digest insects to fulfill their nitrogen requirements. The Pitcher plant and Venus flytrap are common insectivorous plants.

Importance of Nutrition in Plants

Nutrition in plants is the base of all food chains and ecosystems. Since green plants can make their own food and also supply oxygen, they are known as producers. Without plants, life on Earth would not be possible. The glucose produced not only serves as an energy source for the plant itself but also forms the basic food material for all other organisms. Additionally, the oxygen released during photosynthesis is essential for respiration in all living beings. Hence, understanding plant nutrition helps us appreciate how deeply interconnected life is on our planet.

Conclusion

To sum up, nutrition in plants is not just a topic in science, but a gateway to understanding the marvel of life and nature’s brilliance. The ability of green plants to prepare their own food sets them apart and establishes them as the foundation of all food webs. With autotrophs and heterotrophs working in balance, nature ensures that every living being gets its share of nourishment. The study of plant nutrition at this level lays the groundwork for advanced scientific concepts in botany and environmental science, and reminds us why preserving plant life is crucial for our own survival.