[10] Nutrition in flowering plants

What is photosynthesis

process by which plants use sunlight to make foods from carbon dioxide and water, producing oxygen as a byproduct.

What is the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis

6CO₂ + 6H₂ O → C₆ H₁₂ O₆ + 6O₂

explain three factors that effect photosynthesis

1) not enough light slows down the rate of photosynthesis as chlorophyll use light energy to perform it

2) too little carbon dioxide slows it down as it is needed for photosynthesis

3) higher temperature means higher rate of photosynthesis because it affects the enzymes involved, if the temperature is too high the plant’s enzymes will denature

4 ways a leaf adapted for photosynthesis

1) leaves are broad, so there’s a large surface area exposed to light
2) most of the chloroplasts are found in the palisade layer so they can get the most light
3) the upper epidermis is transparent so that light can pass through to the palisade layer
4) the waxy cuticle helps to reduce water loss by evaporation

why are magnesium ions needed for plants

needed for chlorophyll

what are nitrate ions needed for in plants

needed for proteins

what is potassium needed for in plants

needed for enzymes of respiration and photosynthesis

what is phosphate needed for in plants

needed for DNA

what is osmosis

the net movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane. From a solution with a high water potential to a solution with a lower water potential

what is active transport

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration, requiring energy.

how are substances moved into and out of cells

via diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

explain three factors that affect osmosis

1 temperature higher temperature increases the kinetic energy of water molecules.
2 concentration gradient steeper gradient increases the rate of osmosis.
3 surface area, ,more surface = more space for osmosis to occur.

definition of turgid

the description of a plant cell with a high internal pressure when the vacuole fills with water so that the cytoplasm and cell membrane pushes against the cell wall

why are turgid cells important in plants

they provide structural support and prevent wilting by maintaining turgor pressure within the cell.

describe an osmosis experiment using living systems

placing small cubes of potato in solutions of different concentrations one in water and one in a concentrated sugar solution. After a set time, measure the change in mass to observe the movement of water into or out of the cells due to osmosis.

describe an osmosis experiment using non-living systems

you could use a visking tube filled with a concentrated sugar solution, then place it in a beaker of water. Over time, the water will move through the membrane into the sugar solution, demonstrating osmosis