Nutrition in Plants
A glimpse at the cell structure
Every living organism is made up of microscopic units called cells; they are the organism's smallest structural and functional unit.
Cells need nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and carbs to operate properly and provtopicIde us with energy. These nutrients are gained from dietary consumption.
The cell membrane (plasma membrane) is the cell's thin protective covering.
The nucleus is a distinctive spherical (rounded) structure with a central location.
The cytoplasm envelopes the nucleus in a jelly-like substance.
Definition of Unicellular and multicellular organisms
The number of cells in each live creature varies. Only a few species are composed of a single cell, and so are referred to as unicellular organisms.
Multicellular creatures are those that have more than one cell.
What is the primary source of energy for all life forms?
The majority of creatures, including humans, rely on plants for life. And, since plants rely on sunlight for photosynthesis, we may assert that the Sun is the primary source of energy for all life forms.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process through which green plants synthesize food.
This activity occurs most often in the leaves of plants.
Chlorophyll (a green pigment), sunshine, carbon dioxtopicIde, and water are required for the process.
Photosynthesis occurs not only on leaves but also on green stems and branches.
Desert plants, like cactus, have evolved spines on their leaves to decrease water loss via transpiration. These plants have photosynthesis-capable green stems.
Organelle.
Organelles are microscopic cellular structures located instopicIde a cell that serve critical tasks for the organism. They are situated in the cytoplasm of the cell.
For instance, the chloroplast is the cellular organelle responsible for photosynthesis.
Chloroplasts
Chloroplasts are a kind of organelle found in plants and these organelles store chlorophyll - the green pigment necessary for performing photosynthesis in plants.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the pigment that enables green plants to synthesize food.
This pigment lends a green hue to its carriers and is plentiful in leaves.
The chlorophyll pigments are contained within the chloroplast
Understanding the process involved in Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis occurs in the leaves and is referred to as the plant's food factory, with chlorophyll and stomata playing major roles.
Plants absorb carbon dioxtopicIde from the environment through small holes called stomata that are found on the surface of the leaves and are surrounded by 'guard cells'.
Plants collect water and nutrients from the soil through their deeply penetrated roots and transport them via vessels to other sections of the plant, including the leaves, where food is synthesized.
The chlorophyll pigment, a green pigment found in the leaves, atopicIds the plant's leaves in capturing sunlight, which serves as the supplier of energy for the process.
During the course of photosynthesis, oxygen is discharged into the air.
At the completion of photosynthesis, the energy generated is stored as starch.
The oxygen that is released by plants is utilized by animals and humans, for breathing.
Vessels are tube-like structures found in the roots, stems, branches, and leaves. These veins resemble tunnels, provtopicIding nutrients to the plants in a constant flow.
Learn more about the process of photosynthesis by watching our vtopicIdeos.