Nutrition in Plants - Class 7 Chapter 1 Important Questions

Photosynthesis and its Importance:
- Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.
- It occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, specifically in the chlorophyll pigment.
- The equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
- Glucose produced during photosynthesis is used as a source of energy for various metabolic processes in plants.

Modes of Nutrition:
1. Autotrophic Nutrition:
- Plants, algae, and some bacteria are autotrophs.
- They synthesize their own food using inorganic substances like water and carbon dioxide.
- The process of photosynthesis is an example of autotrophic nutrition.

2. Heterotrophic Nutrition:
- Animals, fungi, and some bacteria are heterotrophs.
- They cannot synthesize their own food and rely on organic substances obtained from other organisms.
- Heterotrophs obtain nutrition through various modes like ingestion, absorption, and parasitism.

Nutrients and Their Importance:
1. Macronutrients:
- Macronutrients are required in large quantities by plants.
- They include elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
- These nutrients are essential for plant growth, flowering, and fruit production.

2. Micronutrients:
- Micronutrients are required in small amounts by plants.
- They include elements like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, boron, and chlorine.
- These nutrients are essential for various metabolic processes and enzyme functions in plants.

Deficiency Symptoms and Diseases:
- Plants can show deficiency symptoms if they lack certain nutrients.
- For example, nitrogen deficiency causes yellowing of leaves, phosphorus deficiency leads to stunted growth, and iron deficiency results in chlorosis.
- Plants can also suffer from diseases caused by pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- These diseases can affect plant growth, productivity, and overall health.

Conclusion:
Understanding the process of photosynthesis, different modes of nutrition, and the importance of nutrients is crucial in the study of plant biology. By knowing the deficiency symptoms and diseases, we can identify and address nutritional issues in plants, ensuring their optimal growth and well-being.