Photosynthesis and Plant Nutrition Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, equations, and mineral nutritional requirements of plants including deficiency symptoms for iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.

Photosynthesis

The fundamental process by which plants manufacture simple sugars from raw materials.

Photosynthesis (Word Equation)

$\text{carbon dioxide} + \text{water} \rightarrow \text{glucose} + \text{oxygen}$, in the presence of light and chlorophyll.

Photosynthesis (Balanced Chemical Equation)

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{\text{chlorophyll}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

Limiting factor

Something present in the environment in short supply that restricts life processes.

Nutrition (feeding)

The intake of inorganic and organic substances from which organisms like animals and plants obtain energy and raw materials for growth and development.

Autotroph

An organism like a plant or algae that can make its own food, derived from the Greek words autos ("self") and trophe ("nourishing").

Autotrophic nutrition

A process where producers use inorganic materials ($CO_2$ and $H_2O$), an external source of energy (sunlight), and chlorophyll to build organic molecules like glucose, starch, fats, and proteins.

Heterotroph

An organism like an animal or fungus that has to acquire and take in all the organic substances it needs to survive.

Heterotrophic nutrition

A process where consumers obtain and digest organic molecules (proteins, fats, starch, and other carbohydrates) as a source of energy and building materials for growth.

Iron ($Fe$)

A micronutrient required in very small amounts for chlorophyll synthesis, as a constituent of electron carriers, and for the formation of some enzymes.

Iron chlorosis

A deficiency starting with yellowing of new upper leaves while veins stay green, eventually leading to whitish leaves, stunting growth, and plant death.

Magnesium ($Mg$)

A macro-nutrient required in relatively large amounts for chlorophyll synthesis, as an enzyme activator, and as part of the middle lamellae in plant cells.

Magnesium deficiency

Yellowing of the older (lower) leaves occurring between the veins and around the edges.

Phosphorus ($P$)

A macro-nutrient used to synthesise nucleotides (DNA and RNA), form high energy compounds like $ATP$, and serve as a component of cell membranes in the form of phospholipids.

Phosphate deficiency

Symptoms include stunted growth (especially roots), brown areas on leaves and petioles, and often manifest as a bright green or purplish cast or purpling of leaf veins.

Nitrates

A macro-nutrient required for amino acid synthesis, chlorophyll synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, and the production of plant hormones like auxin.

Nitrate deficiency

Symptoms include general chlorosis (yellowing) of all leaves, small leaves that drop prematurely, stunted growth, and thin weak stems.

Nitrogen fertiliser

A compound added to plants or lawns to stimulate chloroplasts and the process of photosynthesis.