UNIT 2

PLANT NUTRITION
AND TRANSPORT
KEY CONCEPT

Relationship

RELATED CONCEPT

Function, interaction

GLOBAL CONTEXT

Globalization and sustainability

(Human impact on the environment)
 SOI

The knowledge of interaction between plants and their surroundings, and

how they may be manipulated can help us refer to sustainable future to
support crop productivity and environmental health.
W hy a re pla nt s g re en ?
 PHOTOSYNTHESIS
The process by which plants manufacture carbohydrates
from raw materials using energy from light
 Word for photosynthesis

Chemical equation for photosynthesis

Sugars and starch
 Glucose
Use of Carbohydrates Storage of Carbohydrates

Energy source Starch

Glucose is broken down during Converted to starch, a stable
cell activities to release energy for and insoluble form, stored in
cellular activities. leaves, stems, and roots.

Building material

Used to build cell wall and other Sucrose

support structures.
Converted to sucrose for
Converted to transport to storage organs like
protein or lipids seeds, tubers, and fruits.
Converted into other essential
molecules like proteins and lipids.
 Where does photosynthesis happen ?

PLANT LEAF LEAF CELL CHLOROPLAST

INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF A LEAF
Cuticle
A waxy, waterproof layer that minimizes water
loss through evaporation and protects against
pathogens.

Upper Epidermis
A single, transparent layer of cells that allows
light to pass through while providing protection
against mechanical injury.

Palisade Mesophyll
A layer of elongated, tightly packed cells rich in
chloroplasts, responsible for maximum light
absorption and photosynthesis.

Spongy Mesophyll
Loosely arranged cells with large air spaces that
facilitate gas exchange (CO₂ in, O₂ out) and
some photosynthesis.
Vascular Tissue
• Xylem - Tubes that transport water and
minerals from roots to leaves
• Phloem - Tubes that transport sugars and
nutrients from the leaves to the rest of the
plant

Lower Epidermis
Contains stomata for gas exchange and guard
cells to regulate water loss through transpiration.

Stomata
Small pores mainly in the lower epidermis that
control gas exchange
CO₂ enters, O₂ and water vapor exit.

Guard Cells
Bean-shaped cells that regulate the opening and
closing of stomata.
 Plant cells have special organelles called
chloroplast that help in photosynthesis.

A single plant cell can have multiple chloroplasts.

CHLOROPLAST
 STRUCTURE OF CHLOROPLAST
Thylakoid

Outer membrane A thin, green discs like structures

that contain chlorophyll. They
The smooth outer layer that captures sunlight to make energy.
protects the chloroplast and
holds everything together.
Stroma
The watery, jelly-like fluid that
fills the space around the
Inner membrane thylakoids

A second protective
layer inside the first one

Lamella

A thin "bridge" that connects different

stacks of thylakoids to each other.
Chlorophyll is a complex green pigment molecule, found inside thylakoid of the
chloroplast. It is this pigment which gives plants their characteristic green color

Chlorophyll absorbs light energy,

transferring it into stored chemical energy in the bonds of glucose molecules
Chlorophyll primarily absorbs red and blue light,
reflecting green light
 Photosynthesis: Investigating the Three Factors

Key Factors Necessary for Photosynthesis

[Link]: Provides energy to drive the process.

[Link] Dioxide: A raw material for making glucose.

[Link]: Captures sunlight and converts it into chemical energy.

 We use the starch test
Why Test for Starch Instead of Glucose?

• Glucose is the direct product of photosynthesis, but:

• It is quickly used or converted into other substances.
• It is transported to other parts of the plant or stored.

• Starch:
• Acts as a stable storage form of glucose.
• Starch presence indicates that photosynthesis has occurred.
• It can be tested using iodine solution, which turns blue-black in contact
with starch.
Investigating the Need for Light

Preparation:
Take a potted plant and keep it in the
dark for 48 hours to destarch it.

Experiment Setup:
• Cover part of a leaf with an opaque
strip (e.g., insulation tape) leaving a
small section exposed.
• Place the plant in sunlight for several
hours.
Starch Test:
• Boil the leaf to kill cells.
• Soak in hot ethanol to remove chlorophyll.
• Rinse in boiling water to soften.
• Add iodine solution.
 Observation
Uncovered areas: Turn blue-black (photosynthesis occurred).
Covered areas: Stay orange-brown (no photosynthesis).
 Observation

Uncovered areas: Turn blue-black

(photosynthesis occurred).

Covered areas: Stay orange-brown

(no photosynthesis).
Investigating the Need for Carbon Dioxide
Experimental setup
Investigating the Need for Chlorophyll
Experimental setup
 FACTORS AFFECTING PHOTOSYTHESIS

CO2

CARBON DI OXIDE

LIGHT CHOLOROPHYLL

WATER

PHOTOSYTHESIS TEMPERATURE
 FACTORS AFFECTING PHOTOSYTHESIS

LIMITING FACTOR
CO2
A limiting factor is any condition that directly affects
the rate of photosynthesis. CARBON DI
OXIDE

If it is not available in sufficient quantity,

LIGHT CHOLOROPHYLL
photosynthesis cannot happen at its maximum rate.

The rate of photosynthesis is how quickly a plant

can produce food (glucose). This depends on how
much of the key factors are available.

Limiting factors for photosynthesis are

• Light intensity
PHOTOSYTHESIS
• CO2
• Temperature
 FACTORS AFFECTING PHOTOSYTHESIS

LIMITING FACTOR
If any of these factors are low or limited, the rate of CO2
photosynthesis will decrease.
CARBON DI OXIDE
• For example, if the level of CO₂ is low, LIGHT TEMPERATURE

photosynthesis will slow down even if there is

plenty of light and the temperature is ideal.

• Similarly, if there is not enough light,

photosynthesis will happen more slowly, even if
CO₂ levels are high and the temperature is
perfect.
PHOTOSYTHESIS
 FACTORS AFFECTING PHOTOSYTHESIS

Why are chlorophyll and water not limiting

factors ?
CO2
• Chlorophyll is always present in healthy plants.
Plants usually have enough unless they are CARBON DI OXIDE
LIGHT TEMPERATURE
unhealthy or lack nutrients.

• Plants need water for photosynthesis, but they

absorb much more than needed for
photosynthesis.

Light, carbon dioxide, and temperature, are the

limiting factors because they change often in the
environment PHOTOSYTHESIS
 Virtual Lab on Photosynthesis

[Link]
 Light intensity vs Rate of photosynthesis

Graph showing the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis

 Light intensity vs Rate of photosynthesis

• At low light intensities of light, increasing the light intensity will

initially increase the rate of photosynthesis.

• At a certain point, increasing the light intensity stops increasing the

rate.

• This is because the plant has reached its maximum photosynthesis

rate. The light intensity at which the plant reaches its maximum
photosynthesis rate is called the light saturation point.

• After this, the rate becomes constant regardless of how much

light intensity increases.
 CO2 Concentration vs Rate of photosynthesis

Graph showing the effect of CO2 concentration on the rate of photosynthesis

 CO2 Concentration vs Rate of photosynthesis

• At low amounts of CO2, increasing the concentration of CO2 will

initially increase the rate of photosynthesis.

• At a certain point, increasing the amounts of CO 2 stops increasing the

rate.

• This is because the plant has reached its maximum photosynthesis

rate. The CO2 concentration at which the plant reaches its maximum
photosynthesis rate is called the CO2 saturation point.

• After this the rate becomes constant regardless of how much

amounts of CO2 increases.
 Temperature vs Rate of photosynthesis

Graph showing the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis

 Temperature vs Rate of photosynthesis

• Enzymes that control the processes of photosynthesis.

• At low temperature, there is low activity of enzymes, hence the rate of

photosynthesis is low.

• Increasing temperature increases activity of enzymes so the rate of

photosynthesis increases.

• We reach an optimum temperature where the rate of photosynthesis is

maximum.

• At higher temperatures, however, enzymes can be denatured and the rate

of photosynthesis falls.
 Optimizing conditions for
photosynthesis

Green house
• When plants are growing outside, we
cannot do much about changing the
conditions that they need for
photosynthesis.

• But if crops are grown in glasshouses, then

it is possible to control conditions so that
they are photosynthesising as fast as
possible.
CO2 enrichment

• CO2 is often a limiting factor for photosynthesis, because its

natural concentration in the air is so very low (0.04%).
• In a closed glasshouse, it is possible to provide extra CO2 for
the plants, e.g.
• by burning fossil fuels or
• releasing pure CO2 from a gas cylinder.

Optimum light
In cloudy or dark conditions, extra artificial lighting can be provided,
so that light is not limiting the rate of photosynthesis.
Optimum temperature

In some countries where it is too cold for good growth of some crop plants,
the heated greenhouses can be used.

This is done, for example, with tomatoes. The temperature in the

glasshouse can be kept at the optimum level to encourage the tomatoes to
grow fast and strongly, and to produce a large yield of fruit that ripens
quickly.

The temperature can be raised by using a heating system. If fossil fuels

are burned, there is also a benefit from the CO2 produced.
 CARBON CYCLE

The carbon cycle is the

continuous movement of carbon
between the atmosphere,
oceans, soil, rocks, and living
organisms through processes
like photosynthesis, respiration,
decomposition, and combustion.
 Carbon footprint

Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂),
released into the atmosphere due to human activities, such as transportation, energy
use, and consumption of goods and services.
It is measured in metric tons of CO₂ per year.
 STEAM TASK ON
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Task: Understanding & Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Instructions:

[Link] Your Carbon Footprint

•Use the UNESCO Carbon Footprint Calculator.
•Answer the questions honestly.
•Note your total carbon footprint and biggest contributors.

[Link] Key Factors

•List the top three activities that contribute the most.
•Compare your carbon footprint to the national and global
averages.
•Create a simple bar graph or pie chart to show your results.

[Link] an Action Plan

•Think about ways to reduce your footprint.
•List three specific changes you can make.
•Estimate how much these changes might reduce your emissions.
PLANT NUTRITION
Essential Minerals for Plant Growth
 An essential element is a nutrient that a plant must have to complete its life cycle.
It meets the following criteria:

1. The plant cannot complete its life cycle (from seed to maturity) without it.
2. No other element can substitute its function in the plant.
3. It plays a direct role in biochemical processes, such as photosynthesis, respiration, etc.
4. It is needed by many different plant species, not just specific ones.
Mineral Function Deficiency Symptoms

Promotes leaf and stem growth,

Yellowing of older leaves, weak stems,
Nitrogen (N) essential for making chlorophyll and
stunted growth.
proteins.

Supports root development, flower and Dark green or purple-tinged leaves,

Phosphorus (P)
seed production. poor root and flower development.

Regulates water balance, strengthens

Brown edges on leaves, weak stems,
Potassium (K) stems, and enhances disease
reduced resistance to diseases.
resistance.

Component of chlorophyll, necessary Yellowing between veins of older

Magnesium (Mg)
for photosynthesis. leaves.
TRANSPORT ACROSS MEMBRANES
FACTORS AFFECTING DIFFUSION
 DIFFUSION
HIGH LOW
Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules Concentration Concentration
from an area of higher concentration to an area of
lower concentration, until equilibrium is reached.

Importance in cells
• Allows essential gases like oxygen (O₂) and carbon
dioxide (CO₂) to move in and out during respiration
and photosynthesis.
• Enables the absorption of nutrients (e.g., glucose
in the intestines).
• Helps in the removal of waste products (e.g., CO₂
diffuses out of cells).
DIFFUSION
 OSMOSIS
Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules
from a dilute solution (high concentration of water)
to a more concentrated solution (low concentration of water)
across a semi-permeable membrane.
20 g grams of sugar 10 g grams of sugar
in 100 ml of water in 100 ml of water

Why will water, which is the solute move form a less

concentrated to a more concentrated solution ?
 Hypertonic Solution: Isotonic Solution: Hypotonic Solution:
Solution has a higher concentration Solution has the same Solution has a lower concentration
of solutes compared to the cell. concentration of solutes as the cell. of solutes compared to the cell.

Water leaves the cell. The cell Water moves in and out of the cell at Water enters the cell. The cell
shrinks due to water loss. equal rates. There is no net change swells and may eventually burst if
in the cell’s volume. too much water enters.
 TRANSPORT IN PLANTS

Plants have special transport

systems to move food, water
and minerals around.
HIGHWAYS AND ROADS
PIPELINES
 Phloem carry
Xylem vessels
glucose, amino
carry water and acids made by plant
minerals from
from the leaves to
the roots to the
the rest of the plant
leaves.
The xylem and phloem are
bundled together to form the
vascular bundle.

The arrangement and location

of vascular bundles vary
depending on the plant part.
STRUCTURE OF XYLEM
It is used to transport water and minerals from
roots to leaves. Their structure is well-adapted for
efficient water conduction:

• Hollow Tubes: Xylem vessels are formed

from dead cells with no cytoplasm, creating a
continuous, hollow tube for water flow.

• Thick Cell Walls: The walls are reinforced

with lignin, making them strong and
preventing collapse under pressure.

• No End Walls: This feature allows an

unbroken column of water to move freely
from the roots to the leaves.
Root hair is an extended cell
of the root epidermis.

Plants take in water from the

soil, through their root hairs

Root hairs increase the

external surface area of the
root for the absorption of
water and mineral ions.
PATHWAY TAKEN BY WATER

Osmosis causes water to pass

into the root hair cells,
through the root, and into the
xylem vessels.

Once the water gets into

the xylem, it is carried up to
the leaves where it
enters mesophyll cells.

So, the pathway is

root hair cell →
root cells→
xylem →
leaf mesophyll cells.
 Investigate the pathway of
water uptake from soil to leaves
TRANSPIRATION

Transpiration is a process where plants

absorb water through their roots and then
give off water vapor through small pores
in their leaves called stomata.

It is similar to sweating for plants

This process helps plants

• stay cool and
• move water and nutrients from the
roots to the rest of the plant.
Investigating the factors affecting the rate
of transpiration using potometer

A potometer is a device used to

measure the rate of water uptake
and amount of water loss via
transpiration by a plant.
Simulation on factors affecting transpiration

Simulation link
Exit Question (To be written in notebook)

1) What is transpiration, and from which part of the plant does most of the
water vapour escape?
2) Name two environmental factors that increase the rate of transpiration and
briefly explain how they affect the process.
3) During the simulation, you observed that wind increases transpiration.
Explain why moving air around leaves causes the plant to lose water faster.
4) Imagine a plant growing in a very hot and dry environment where
transpiration happens very quickly. What problems might the plant face, and
what adaptations might help the plant survive in such conditions?
Mechanism of transpiration

Analogy
USING A STRAW

You can think of transpiration pull like

drinking through a straw.

Water moves up from the roots to the

leaves, similar to sucking up a drink
through a straw.
Mechanism of transpiration
• Plants absorb water from the
soil through their roots.

• Xylem carries water from the

roots to the leaves.

• Leaves have tiny openings

called stomata.

• Stomata let in carbon dioxide

for photosynthesis.

• They also allow water vapor to

escape into the air.
Mechanism of transpiration

• Water evaporates from leaves.

• This creates a 'pull' on water in

the xylem tubes.

• The pull helps draw more water

up from the roots.
 WILTING
If more water evaporates from the leaves of a plant than is available in the soil to move into the
root by osmosis, then wilting will occur.

This is when all the cells of the plant are not full of water, so the strength of the cell walls cannot
support the plant, and it starts to collapse.

A wilted plant cannot support itself and starts to collapse

 Factors affecting transpiration

How does light intensity affect transpiration?

Increased light intensity leads to higher rates of
transpiration in plants .

More More
Light intensity Transpiration
 FACTORS AFFECTING TRANSPIRATION

More light is available for photosynthesis.

Stomata open wider to take in more CO2 which

is needed for photosynthesis.

As stomata open wider, more water vapor can

escape from the plant.

This leads to higher rate of transpiration

Factors affecting transpiration
How does temperature affect transpiration?
As temperature increases, the rate of
transpiration also increases because higher
temperatures lead to increased evaporation of
water from the leaves.

More More
Temperature Transpiration
 FACTORS AFFECTING TRANSPIRATION

Higher temperatures cause the opening of

stomata.

As stomata open wider, more water vapor can

escape from the plant.

Leading to a higher rate of transpiration.

Factors affecting transpiration

How does humidity affect transpiration?

High humidity reduces transpiration because
the air is already saturated with water vapor.

More Less
Humidity Transpiration
Investigating the factors affecting the rate
of transpiration using potometer

A potometer is a device used to

measure the rate of water uptake
and amount of water loss via
transpiration by a plant.
Simulation on factors affecting transpiration

Simulation link
STRUCTURE OF PHLOEM
Phloem is specialized plant tissue responsible
for transporting organic nutrients

Phloem cells:
• Long, cylindrical cells arranged end-to-end.
• Lack nuclei and most organelles to allow
smooth movement of sap.
• Have sieve plates with pores that enable the
flow of nutrients between cells.

Companion Cells:
• Provide support in transport to phloem cells.
 TRANSLOCATION

The movement of sugars and

other organic compounds
within a plant.

It occurs through the phloem

tissue and distributes nutrients
from regions of production to
areas of storage or use.
Concept of Source and Sink in Translocation

Source:
Regions where sugars are produced
(e.g., leaves during photosynthesis, tubers)

Sink:
Regions where sugars are used
(e.g., growing leaves or roots, fruits, tubers)