Autotrophic Nutrition in Plants
Photosynthesis
Plants are able to produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
The chloroplast is the site of photosynthesis.
Food production primarily is carried out in leaves. Water and minerals from the soil are absorbed by the root and transported to the leaves through vessels. Carbon dioxide reaches leaves through stomata – which are small pores on leaves surrounded by guard cells.
Chlorophyll is a green pigment present in leaves which helps the leaves capture energy from sunlight to prepare their food. This production of food which takes place in the presence of sunlight is known as photosynthesis. Hence, the sun serves as the primary source for all living organisms
During photosynthesis, water and carbon dioxide are used in the presence of sunlight to produce carbohydrates and oxygen.
Photosynthesis provides food to all living beings.
Oxygen, one of the main components of life on earth is released by plants during photosynthesis.
Conditions necessary for Photosynthesis
Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Chlorophyll
Steps in Photosynthesis
Absorption of energy from sunlight
Conversion of light energy into chemical energy
Hydrolysis of water into oxygen and hydrogen
Carbon dioxide is reduced to form glucose by utilizing chemical energy
Heterotrophic Nutrition in Plants
Some plants do not contain chlorophyll and depend on other plants for their food through the heterotrophic mode of nutrition. These type of nutrition in plants are referred to as Heterotrophic nutrition in plants, hence are called parasites.
Heterotrophic Plants
Listed below are different types of heterotrophic plants that are mainly classified based on their mode of nutrition:
Parasitic
Insectivorous
Saprophytic
Symbiotic
Parasitic Nutrition
Some heterotrophic plants depend on other plants and animals for nutrition. Such plants are known as parasitic plants. However, the host is not benefitted from the parasite.
For eg., Cuscuta, Cassytha
Insectivorous Nutrition
Some plants have special structural features that help them to trap insects and are commonly known as carnivorous or heterotrophic plants. These plants digest the insects by secreting digestive juices and absorb the nutrients from them. These plants grow on the soil that lacks minerals.
For eg., Pitcher plant, Venus flytrap
Saprophytic Nutrition
The saprophytic plants derive nutrition from dead and decaying plants and animals. They dissolve the dead and decaying matter by secreting digestive juices and absorb the nutrients.
For eg., mushrooms, moulds.
Symbiotic Nutrition
When two different plants belonging to two different categories show a close association, they are termed as symbiotic. In this, both the plants are benefitted from each other.
For eg., the association of fungi and trees.
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