Nutrients in Flowering Plants

What is photosynthesis

It is the process by which plants make from absorbing light energy. Photosynthesis takes in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into glucose and oxygen as a waste product.

Balanced Chemical Equation of Photosynthesis

6CO₂+6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆+6O₂

Carbon dioxide concentration

As the Carbon dioxide concentration increases so does the rate of photosynthesis because carbon dioxide is a reactant for photosynthesis and provides the carbon to make glucose. The rate of reaction will continue to increase until another factor becomes limiting

Light intensity

As light intensity increases, so the rate of photosynthesis because chlorophyll needs to absorb enough light for the reaction to work. The rate of reaction will continue to increase until another factor becomes limiting.

Temperature

When the temperature increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases because it provides the enzymes in the reaction more kinetic energy for them to work faster. If the temperature goes past the optimal point the enzymes will denature and the rate of reaction will decrease

Upper epidermis adaptations

Contains waxy cuticles which is waterproof to prevent water loss. The waxy cuticles is transparent to allow light to get to the palisade mesophyll layer.

Palisade mesophyll layer adaptations

It contains a lot of chloroplasts for photosynthesis. The cells are packed closer to maximise the light absorption. The cells have thin walls which allow the light to enter them easier

Spongy Mesophyll layer adaptations

The cells are loosely packed with air spaces for a larger surface area allowing gas exchange to happen quicker.

Lower epidermis layer adaptations

The guard cells open to create stomata which allows carbon dioxide to move in and oxygen out of the leaf

Plants need for Nitrates

Nitrates contain nitrogen to make amino acids and proteins- which is needed for cell growth. If a plant can’t get enough it will be stunted

Plants needs for phosphates

It contains phosphorus for making DNA and cell membranes-which is needed for respiration and growth. Without it plants will have poor root growth

Plants need for magnesium

It is required in making chlorophyll which is need to absorb light energy for photosynthesis without plants would have yellow leaves