Nutrition in Plants

Definition of Nutrition

Nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain energy and materials required for growth, repair, and maintenance.

Types of Plant Nutrition

• Autotrophic Nutrition: Plants make their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis).
• Heterotrophic Nutrition: Some plants derive nutrition from other organisms (e.g., parasitic plants, insectivorous plants).

Photosynthesis Overview

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants produce food (glucose) using carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight in the presence of chlorophyll.

Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Transport of Nutrients

• Xylem: Transports water and minerals from roots to leaves.
• Phloem: Transports sugars and other products from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Adaptations for Nutrition

• Broad leaves to capture sunlight.
• Chlorophyll to trap light energy.
• Root hairs to absorb water and minerals efficiently.
• Some plants are insectivorous or parasitic to supplement nutrient intake.

Practice Questions

• Define autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition. Give one example of each. (4 marks)
• Write the photosynthesis equation and label the products and reactants. (3 marks)
• Explain how xylem and phloem help in plant nutrition. (4 marks)
• List three adaptations of leaves for photosynthesis. (3 marks)
• Short answer: Give an example of an insectivorous plant in Cameroon. (2 marks)