Test for Transport in Plants
Transport in plants primarily involves the movement of water, minerals, and nutrients. A common test to observe this transport mechanism is the "Cohesion-Tension Theory" demonstration using a colored dye.
- Materials Needed:
- White flower (e.g., carnation)
- Colored dye (food coloring)
- Water
- Beaker
- Procedure:
1. Mix a few drops of colored dye in water in a beaker.
2. Place the stem of the white flower into the dyed water.
3. Observe over several hours.
- Observation:
- The petals of the flower will change color as the dye travels through the xylem, demonstrating water transport.
Mineral Nutrition in Plants
Mineral nutrition is essential for plant growth and development, involving various nutrients absorbed from the soil.
- Essential Nutrients:
- Macronutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium
- Micronutrients: Iron, Manganese, Zinc
- Functions:
- Nitrogen: For protein synthesis and chlorophyll production.
- Phosphorus: Involved in energy transfer (ATP).
- Potassium: Regulates stomatal opening and water balance.
- Deficiency Symptoms:
- Nitrogen Deficiency: Yellowing of leaves.
- Phosphorus Deficiency: Stunted growth and dark green leaves.
- Potassium Deficiency: Wilting and browning of leaf edges.
Human Digestion
Human digestion is a complex process that converts food into absorbable nutrients.
- Stages of Digestion:
- Ingestion: The intake of food through the mouth.
- Mechanical Digestion: Chewing in the mouth and churning in the stomach.
- Chemical Digestion: Enzymatic breakdown of food in the stomach and small intestine.
- Key Organs:
- Mouth: Saliva contains amylase for carbohydrate digestion.
- Stomach: Secretes gastric juices (HCl, pepsin) for protein digestion.
- Small Intestine: Major site for nutrient absorption; enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver aid in digestion.
- Absorption: Nutrients pass through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, where they are transported to various cells in the body.
This overview provides a concise understanding of transport in plants, their mineral nutrition, and the human digestive process, essential for Biology Class 11 studies.