LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completion of the chapter, students will be able to

1. understand different modes of nutrition.
2. explain photosynthesis and the materials required to carry out photosynthesis.
3. conducts simple investigations to seek answers to the query-Do leaves other than green also carry out
photosynthesis?
4. demonstrate the importance of photosynthesis.
5. differentiate between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.
6. describe the way plants synthesise proteins.

Each living organism requires to carry out basic processes (such as

reproduction, growth, nutrition, respiration, etc.) to maintain life. For
carrying out all the life processes, each living organism needs daily
supply of energy which is provided by the food consumed by them.
Food contains substances that provide nourishment to the body. These
are called nutrients.

5
 Science - VI I

WH AT IS NUT RIT ION ?

ation by the body is known
The process of taking in food by an organism and its utilis
Auto troph ic nutrition 8 d as nutrition.
There are two modes of nutrition in living organisms: n I-let
erotr0Ph·
nutrition. I(

NUTRITION IN PLANTS
I
t
---------
t Heterotrophic
Autotrophic

t
*
t Saprop hytes or saprot rophs Insectivorous plants
Parasites
• ,r•~

Green plant Cuscuta Mushro om : ,,, . .

I
t t
Partial Parasites Total Parasites

Rafflesia
Mistletoe

os' mean s nourishment. Autotrophic

Auto troph ic Nutrition: The word 'auto' means self and 'troph
carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll in
plants make their own food from simple substances like
esis. All green plants and some bacteria
presence of sunlight by the process known as photosynth
rophs.
are able to prepare their own food and are known as autot
'trophos' mean s nutrition. Heterotrophic
Heterotrophic Nutrition: The word 'heteros' means other and
Anim als and non-green plants are
organisms obtain their food from the other organisms.
heterotrophic.

AUT OTR OPH IC MO DE OF NUT RIT ION

Green plants can make their own food. The synthesis Oxyg en,
of food takes place in leaves as leaves are the food
factory of the plants.
Those organisms which can make food themselves
• Theleave stake
in carbon dioxide
"l'.t~:
,.~tni n .
from the air and sun to rnal:f 9-9'
from simple substances by the process of
• (toodl

photosynthesis are called autotrophs.

Photosynthesis
The process by which green plants can produce
their own food and energy using carbon dioxide
Tlw pl,1n1 dr,nvs up W..lll'r
,rnd mir1t>1al'i f r u r ~
grnund th,ouyh 1ovl\
and water in the presence of sunlight is known as
photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis
I
I

1----- 6 ,
I
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 . • - ' .. .. ·. • .

. Nutr1t1on 111 Plants

The process of photosynthesis (photo = light; synthesis = to combine) can be summarised as:
Chlorophyll
Carbon dioxide+ Water Glucose+ Oxygen
Sunlight
(Food)

In this process, a simple carbohydrate called 'glucose' is produced as food. The glucose is then
converted into a complex carbohydrate 'starch'. The starch is stored as food in the various parts of
plant. Oxygen gas produced during photosynthesis, goes into the air and is utilised by all the living
organisms for their survival.

Materials Required for Photosynthesis

The materials required to carry out photosynthesis are as follows:

1. Water and Minerals

The roots of a plant absorb water and nutrients from the soil with the help of root hairs. Plants
have tissues (xylem) through which minerals and water move from the roots upwards to the leaves
through stem and branches.
2. Carbon dioxide
It is taken from the air by the plants. Carbon dioxide from the air is taken in through tiny pores
present on the leaves called stomata. Stomata are surrounded by guard cells.
The guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata. These are present abundantly on the
lower surface of a leaf. Oxygen is released from the stomata as a waste product of photosynthesis
from the plant body.

~"-"'!:--Vacuole
Vacuole _ __,..
Nucleus-•
Cell wall _ _.._.._,_,....___ Stomata open

Airspace~~~_.
~~it-Jrr-Guard cell

Stoma _ _ _ _....,
Guard cell _ _ ____. Stomata closed

A section through a leaf Open and closed stomata

 1
Sc ien ce - VI
sy nth es is.
sa ry fo r ph oto .
. .
(e} u=_.,_...,,__._.,_____ ·- ··-bon dioxide 1s neces sh a bo ttl e wi th sp lit cork, te st krt fo r sta
t car, .
rch.

Objective: To prove tha ta ,

uir ed : A po tted plant, caustic po
Materials req
fo r 2- 3 da ys to
d lace it in th e dark
Procedure: wi th long leaves an
p
• Take a potted pla nt co nt ai ni ng ca us tic
d . rt ha lf of it in a bo ttl e
~.
make it starch fre s pla nt an ,nse . .
• Take a lea f from thi thr ou gh a sp lit cork. th e le af m th e
h (KOH) so lut ion he nce th e po rti on of
b b dio xid e
potas '
sor s ca~ ~n . .
• caustic potash ab d1ox1de.
wi ll no t ge t ca rb on droxrde.
bo ttle t carbon
n of the lea f ou tsi de the bo ttl e wi ll ge
• The portio
place it in sunlight
fo r a few hours.
• Cork the bo ttle and
rch.
• Test the lea f for sta carbo
Ex~eri_me~t showing for n
n: e 1s ne ce ss ary
Observatio af te r th e starch test. d1ox1d
On ly ha lf pa rt of the leaf turns blue-black photosynthesis
•
Conclusion: nthesis.
necessary fo r photosy
• Carbon dioxide is

3. Chlorophyll lo ro ph yl l th at he lp s it t_o ca pt
ur e
ca lle d ch
een pi gm en t t chlorophyJI,..
The leaves have a gr ch lo ro pl as ts . W ith ou
es en t in
Chlon JiJfl
su n. It is pr
light energy fro m the ht to prepare th ei r fo od .
ergy of th e su nl ig
plants cannot use en ,
m e non-gr ee n pl an ts also.
is present in so

(-}~1
Objec tive: To prove th
II
at
•r•
green plants produce
food or starch byphoto
s

synthesis).
is essential for photo
Croton leaf, alcohol,
iodine solution.
Materials required: A
Procedure: ar ieg a
co nta ins green coloured patches. (V
croton lea f wh ich ,-l lll ~~ ra ilo
• Take a variegated wh ite du e to abse nce of chlorophyll).
means some parts of the leaves are t an d de co l
wa ter ba th to dis so lve ou t green pig m en
a
• Boil it in alcohol in
leaf.
ho t water.
the lea f fro m bo iling alcohol and dip it in
• Remove and drop iodine so
de co lou rised lea f on a fla t white surface
• Sprea~ the
Observation:
n blue-black bu t
rts co nta ini ng the green portion wi ll tur
• Th~ pa with iodine.
stam brown or yellow r tested
Conclusion: h
chlorophyll ·
h is pre sent on ly in the green ~rea (where
Starc

lours
Leaves of Various Co t of red
r than reen a1so h
The leave s having colours othe 9
.
brown, violet and othe r pi gm en ts m as k th een
e gr
 - - . . ·-

• Nutrition in Plants

So, photosynthesis takes place in these leaves also. For example, leaves of some plants such as
Coleus and Croton are multicoloured. Some pigments other than chlorophyll also absorbs light.
They are xanthophyll carotenoids, anthocyanin. These are called accessory pigments.
[Link]
The solar energy captured by the leaves with the help of chlorophyll gets converted into the chemical
energy of food. This chemical energy gets stored in the form of plant food. Since, all the food on this
earth is made by utilising solar energy, therefore, sun is the ultimate source of energy for all living
organisms. The sunlight is used to synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water, that's why it is
called photo-synthesis.

~Il2IT_Y lllt
Objective: To prove that light is necessary for photosynthesis.
Materials required: Twigs of an aquatic plant, beaker, funnel test tube.
Procedure: Oxygen gas

• Take some twigs of an aquatic plant like Hydrilla in beaker filled with water. ---Water
Y---t--f==~-3-Tes ttube
• Invert a funnel over the twigs. Invert a test tube filled with water on the
stem of the funnel. Beaker
----Water
• Keep this set-up in sunlight for sometime. .,,.__-+--Funnel
• What do you observe? Hydrilla
plant twigs
Observation:
• You will notice air bubbles (oxygen gas) coming out from the twigs. If Light is necessary for
this set-up is kept in the dark, no air bubbles come out. This shows that photosynthesis
sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis by Algae
You must have seen patches of slimy, green layer floating on the surface
of a pond or lake or in other stagnant water bodies. These are generally
formed by the growth of organisms called Algae. Algae are a large group
of simple, plant like organisms. It contains chlorophyll which gives them
the green colour. They can also prepare food by photosynthesis. Algae
are aquatic plants without proper root, stem and leaves so they absorbs
carbon dioxide dissolved in water along with water through their bodies. Algae

Importance of Photosynthesis
It is the most important biological process on which all living organisms
depend, directly or indirectly, for food. •~
-.
....~--
This process maintains the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in Algae differ from plants as
the environment. they do not have proper
roots, stems and leaves.
It provides us oxygen for breathing.
Science - VI I

Note: PhotosynthesIs . t k place mostly in the green leaves of

a es plants but in some plants .k
cactus .It ta kes p1ace in
I
• the green fleshy stem, as the 1eaves are
reduced to spin
11 e
reduce loss of water by transpiration. •
es to

Synthesis of Plant Foods Other than Carbo

Carbohydrates that plants synthesise dur
oxygen. These are used to synthesise
(i) Plants Make Starch as Food: Starch
hydr~t~s
ing photosynthesis is ma de up of car
oth er com pon ent s suc h as pro tein s
bon, hydroge
and fats. nand
'
is stored in var iou s par ts of a pla nt suc
leaves and seeds. e.g., seeds of wheat h as root
and rice have a lot of starch. Potato and
store a lot of starch in the ir roots. carr~~:~ms,
(ii) Plants Ma ke Fats (Oils) as Food: Cer ants
tain pla nts con ver t the sim ple car boh
into oil and store the m .In seeds. Seeds ydr ate like I
of sun flow er and mu sta rd pla nt con tain. gILJcose
Such seeds are called oil-s• s oil stored ..
eeds. 1
In It 1
(iii) Plants Ma ke Proteins as Food: Pro •
teins ~ont_ain nitrogen. Tho~gh, lar~e
present in the air, pla nts can not abs orb am oun t of nitrogen isl
this directly. The y get nitr oge n In two
(a) Rhizobium bacteria present in the ways:
soil con ver ts atm osp her ic nitr oge n
compounds. Plants absorb the se com to water soluble
pou nds along with water.
(b) Farmers add fertilisers rich in nitr
ogen to the soil.
(iv) Plants make vitamins: Plants are
prim ary source of ma ny vita min s i.e.,
vita min C and vita min E, vita min K. vita min B9 (folic aci~

Enrich Your Knowledge

Q. 1. Photosynthesis requires chlo
roph yll, and a few other raw mat eria ls. Add
given below: the mis sing raw materials to the list
Water, minerals, _ _ __, _ _ [NCERT Exempla~
__
Ans. Sunlight/light energy, carbon
dioxide.
Q. 2. A goat eats awa y all the leav
es of a small plant (bal sam ). However
sprouting in the plant again. How did , in a few day s, new leaves could be seen
the plan t survive with out leaves?
Ans. Plants stor e the food they prod [NCERT Exempla~
uce by pho tosy nthe sis in the stem
leaves of the plant, the plan t fulfi ls its and root s. So, when goat eats all the
requ irem ent by the food stor ed in stem
Q. 3 • Chlorophyll in the leaf of the plan s and roots. .
t is responsible for the utilisation of sun
The part of the spectrum required ligh t in the process of photo5Y"thesth5•
chlorophyll. Which colour(5) oft e
for photosynthesis is absorbed by
spectrum does chlorophyll use during
photosynthesis?
Ans . Blue and Red colo ur of the spe
ctru m.

PROGRESS~
l. Observe th_e expe~imental set-up give
n in figu re and ans wer the que stio ns
(a) What 1s the aim of this experiment? that follo w.
(b) Na~ e a wate r plan t that can be use
d in the experiment.
(c) Which gas is collected at the end
of the experiment?

16]
 ,
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•. • Nutrition in Plants

that follow.
2. Study the equation given below and answer the questions
CO2 + H20 C6H120 6 + 02
(a) What does the equation depict?
(b) Where does it occur?
(c) What happens to the products?
(d) What are the conditions required for this process to occur?

HETEROTROPHIC MODE OF NUTRITION

they cannot
There are some plants that do not contain chlorophyll and
isms to
prepare their own food. They depend upon other plants or organ
otrophic
obtain their nourishment. These plants are said to have heter
mode of nutrition and are called heterotrophs.
Heterotrophs have been classified into following categories: The orange wiry stems of
dodder are attached to
Thyme plants
Parasites
organism are known as parasites.
The organisms that derive nutrition from the body of other living
called a host. All parasitic plants feed
The organism that a parasite uses to derive its nutrition is
of their nutrition from the host, or
on other plants as either partial parasites, i.e., obtaining some
ion. Common examples of partial
total parasites, i.e., dependent completely on the host for nutrit
(parasitic on branches of mango and
parasites are painted cup (parasitic on roots) and Mistletoe
be~, certain tropical plants of the
mahua trees). Total parasitic plants are Cuscuta (amar
es and mosquitoes that suck blood
Rafflesiaceae family. The animals such as lice, bed bugs, leech
from our body are also parasites.
Saprophytes
their food
Saprophytes are those organisms that cannot manufacture
from dead
through the process of photosynthesis but obtain nutrition
ples of
and decaying plants and animal matter. The most common exam
fungi and
saprophytes are mushrooms, moulds and certain types of
matter
bacteria. They secrete digestive juices on dead and decaying
from it.
and convert it into a solution. Then they absorb the nutrients
in solution
Fungi- A saprophyte This mode of nutrition in which organisms take in nutrients
form from dead and decaying matter is called
, Saprotrophic nutrition. Saprophytic organisms are comm
only seen during Cf!ll&ffl!I
r, clothes, Yeast and mushroom are
or after the rain. Fungi are commonly seen growing on leathe
fungi which ore useful,
pickles during the hot and humid weather. but there are some fungi
germinating
Fungal spores are generally present in the air. They start which causes disease
l as well as in plants and anima ls
when they land on wet and warm things. Fungi can be usefu includ ing humans, some
fungus are used as
harmful. medic ine eg., Penicillium.

[11 7-. :J
 Science - VI I

(e} A C T I\ L II Y ll lt
Objective: To observe
the growth of moulds.
Materials required: A
sliced bread, a plate.
Procedure:
• Take a slice of bread . .
. Keep it on a P1ate an d prinkle so me wa ter on 1t.
s
• Keep it in a warm an
d dark place.
• Observe it after 2-3 da
ys.
Observation:
• You will no tic e some
flu ffy growt h on it. These pa tch es
these are moulds. ma y be wh ite , green, bro
wn or of any other colo1Jr.
and

Insectivorous Plants
There are some green
plants which obtain th
from soil and atmosphe eir nourishment pa rtl y
re and partly from sm
insectivorous plants. Co all insects are called
mmon examples of su
plant, bladderwort and ch plants are pi tc he r
Venus fly trap. These pla
them, consume them nts trap insects, kill
and throw ou t the waste
leaves th at are modified . These plants have
to catch insects.
In a pitcher plant, the lea Venus fly trap
f is modified into a pitch
tip of the leaf forms a er-like st ru ct ur e ..Th e
lid th at can open and clo
pitcher. Inside the pitcher se th e m ou th of th e
, there are hair which ar
When an insect gets at e directed downwards.
tracted towards the pit
lid closes. The pitcher cher and drop in it, th e
secretes digestive juice
trapped insect. s which di ge st th e
Insectivorous plants do
no t get enough nitroge
in deficient in nitrogen n fro m th e soil as it
and so, they eat insects
nitrogen. to fulfil th ei r need fo r
Pitcher plant
Symbiotic Plants
This is another method
of heterotrophic nu tri tio
different organisms live n in wh ich tw o
together and share sh
is ca\\ed symbiotic relat elter and nu tri en ts
ionship or symbiosis. Fo
fungi \ive_in the roots of p\a r example, certain
nts. Plants supply nutrien
.the fungi provides water ts to fungi, wh ile
and minerals in return.
of a\?ae and fungi form The association
organisms called lichens
fungi mutua\\y benefit ea . The algae and
ch other and in the proc
needs. T_he alga n:1akes foo ess fulfill all th ei r
d, which is also used by
fungus, in turn, gives t~e th e fungus. The
the substratum on which ~\g a, wa te r and minerals it ob ta ins fro Lichens
,t lives. m

12]
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"'..
• ' I .~

· Nutrition in Plants

Differences between autotrophic and heterotrophic plants

Autotrophic plants Heterotrophic plants
Green plants Parasites Saprophytes
All green plants are able to These organisms live on or These organisms cannot
manufacture their own food inside another living organism manufacture their own food
. .
from inorganic substances and derive their nutrition by photosynthesis and instead
through the process of from the host wholly or partly derive their nutrition from
photosynthesis. without contributing anything dead and decaying plant and
to the latter. animal matter.
These plants contain the green They do not contain They do not contain
pigment called chlorophyll. ch lorophyl I. chlorophyll.
Such organisms are totally Such organisms show partial Such organisms are
dependent on themselves or complete dependence on dependent on dead
to meet their energy host for their survival. autotrophs or heterotrophs.
requirements. .

These organisms lie at the These organisms constitute These organisms act upon all
base of a food chain. higher levels in a food chain. levels in a food chain.
• Examples: Rose, banyan tree • Examples: Painted cup, • Examples: Mushrooms,
moulds, fungi, certain
and all green plants. Mistletoe, Rafflesia, etc.
bacteria, etc.

HOW ARE NUTRIENTS REPLENISHED IN THE SOIL?

We know that plants absorb minerals and nutrients from the soil. Plants require a lot of nitrogen to
make proteins. Although the air contains a lot of nitrogen gas (in soluble form), it cannot be used by
plants directly. Therefore, the atmospheric nitrogen is converted by various ways to a form that can
be absorbed by plants. This is known as nitrogen- fixing.
Some bacteria have the ability to fix nitrogen. The bacterium called Rhizobium can take atmospheric
nitrogen and convert it into a soluble form. Rhizobium cannot make its own food. It lives in the roots
of peas, gram and other legumes and provides them nitrogen, in return, the plants provide food
and shelter to the bacteria. Thus, they have a symbiotic relationship. This association is helpful to
farmers as they can reduce the use of nitrogen fertiliser in the soil.

Enrich Your Knowledge

Q. 1. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth. But farmers who cultivate pulse crops like green gram,
bengal gram, black gram, etc. do not apply nitrogenous fertilisers during cultivation. Why? [NCERT Exempla~
Ans. Roots of pulses (leguminous plants) have a symbiotic association with a bacterium called Rhizobium which
fixes nitrogen. Hence, farmers need not use nitrogenous fertilisers.
Q. 2. Wheat dough if left in the open, after a few days, starts to emit a foul smell and becomes unfit for use. Give
reason. [NCERT Exemplar)
Ans. Carbohydrates in wheat dough, encourage growth of yeast and other saprophytic fungi which break down
carbohydrates and emit a foul smell.

13
Science - VI I

•eo«BM•111uPROGREss "J ~--~--

,. Match the columns.
Column I Column II
Host Algae and fungi
Pitcher plant Cuscuta
Partial parasite Insectivorous
Lichen Mistletoe
Total parasite Used by parasite
2. Give one word for the following:
(a) These plants obtain their nitrogen supply from insects.
(b) These organisms lie at the base of food chain.
(c) The relationship between Rhizobium and roots of pea plant.
(d) These are seen growing on leather during or after rain.
3. Use the following information to answer the question:
Autotrophs Organisms that can prepare their own food.
Heterotrophs : Organisms that depend on plants and animals for nutrition
Saprophytes : Organisms that grow on dead and decaying organic matter.
Parasites : Organisms that grow on or feed on a different organisms.
Certain types of mushroom grow on doors which are wet after the rains. These. mushrooms can 11ej
classified as :-
a. Autotrophs b. Heterotrophs c. Saprophytes

1IJ
 . .
. -......--
. . ·-·~·

• Nutrition 1n Plants :
:- - -- - -•.• - -_ -_ ·_ -_ -_ ·_ -. -_ -s·UMMARY~jf FLow· CHART•• - •• - •• -•• ---
• - . - - - - . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .

NUTRITION

• It is the mode of taking food by an organism and its utilisation by the body.
• The components of food that provide nourishment to the body are called nutrients.

Replenishment of Nutrients
Autotrophic Heterotroph ic in Soil

• Mode of nutrition in which plants Mode of nutrition in which • Nutrients like nitrogen, potassium,
make food from plants depend on food phosphorus, etc. are replenished by
simple substances. prepared by other plants adding fertilisers and manure.
• Plants that make their own food or organisms. • Nitrogen is naturally replenished by
are called autotrophs. leguminous plants (gram, peas,
moong, etc.). Root nodules in these
Process of
plants contain the bacterium
Rhizobium which converts
making food atmospheric nitrogen into asoluble
Photosynthesis form that can be absorbed by roots.

The process by which green plants Saprophytic

prepare their own food with carbon
dioxide and water in presence of sunlight • Organisms that live on the body of Organisms that obtain nutrition
using a green coloured pigment other organisms. from dead and decaying plant
called chlorophyll. • They may be partial parasites: and animal matter. Example,
Carbon dioxide+ Water Chlorophyll Obtain some of their nutrition from mushrooms, moulds, etc.
Sunlight the host, e.g. painted cup or total
parasites: Dependant completely on
Glucose+ Oxygen the host for nutrition. Example, Mistletoe.
(food)

Green plants which obtain their Mode of nutrition in which two

nourishment partly from soil and different individuals associate
atmosphere and partly from small with each other and both are
Insects. Example, pitcher plant, benefitted from this relationship.
bladderwort. Example: lichens.

( ~[ -llft'ffihlj~
Q.1. Why do organisms take food?
Ans. Organisms need food for obtaining energy to do work, and for growth and development of body.
Q. 2. Distinguish between a parasite and a saprotroph.
Ans. .. '. Saprotroph
[Link]. Parasite • ;!

(i) They obtain nutrition from the body of other They obtain nutrition from dead and decaying
plants and animals. ·'
organisms.
(ii) Example: Cuscuta, etc Example: Mushroom, moulds, etc.

Q. 3. How would you test the presence of starch in leaves?

Ans. (i) Take two potted plants of the same kind.
(ii) Keep one in the dark (or in a black box) for 72 hours and the other in the sunlight.
(iii) Take one leaf from each of the plants.
(iv) Put a few drops of iodine solution on each of the leaves.
 ,

(v) The leaf kept in the sunlight will turn blue-black due to presence of starch f
while the leaf kept in the dark will not turn blue-black because of absence f orn,ed by Ph
. . 0 starch Otos ,
Q. 4. Give a brief description of the process of synthesis of food m green plants. • YnJ'.
Ans. The process of synthesis of food in green plants is called photosynthesis. The r
•
are water, carbon dioxide and sunlight. Water and minerals present in the soil araw mat •
b enals forth·
transported to the leaves. Carbon dioxide from air is taken in through the stornat e a sorbed by tL is Pr~
. . . .
During photosynthesis, chlorophyll containing cells of leaves, in the presence ofa present
sun
.
1
1ght
0 n the °
11e r 0
1eaf s ts
and water to synthesise carbohydrates. The process can be represented as an e . • Use carb lll'fik-.1
. quat1on· on d' -~
. .d W t Sunlight C b •
Carbon d 1ox1 e + a er Chlorophyll ar ohydrate + Oxygen
Q. 5. Show with the help of a sketch that the plants are the ultimate source of food.
Ans.

.
Q. 6. Fill in the blanks. '•- - -
- __ _
(a) Green plants are called _____ since they synthesise their own food.
(b) The food synthesised by the plants is stored as _ _ __
(c) In photosynthesis solar energy is absorbed by the pigment called __________,,
(d) During photosynthesis plants take in _____ and release---~ ~..
Ans. (a) autotrophs (b) starch
(c) chlorophyll (d) carbon dioxide, oxygen
Q. 7. Name the following:
(a) A parasitic plant with yellow, slender and tubular stem.
(b) A plant that is partially autotrophic.
(c) The pores through which leaves exchange gas
Ans. (a) Cuscuta (b) Pitcher plant
Q. 8. Tick the correct answer.
(i) Cuscuta is an example of
(a) autotroph
(ii) The plant which trapscanc:I feeds on1
(a) Cuscuta (b) chin
Ans. (i)-(b); (ii)-(c).
 • -. ·'Ji.. ,:• • r •• ' :'l;il
• • • • 1 • ·.: .. , • :~

. ' !_ - : :A. • ' (, •

·•.'.'•:: .... •Nutrition in Plants

Q. 9. Match the items given in Column I with those in Column II.

Column I Column II
(a) Chlorophyll (i) Bacteria
(b) Nitrogen (ii) Heterotrophs
(c) Cuscuta (iii) Pitcher plant
(d) Animals (iv) Leaf
(e) Insects (v) Parasite
Ans. (a)-(iv); (b)-(i); (c)-(v); (d)-(ii); (e)-(iii).

Q. 10. Mark 'T' if the statement is true and 'F' if it is false.

(a) Carbon dioxide is released during photosynthesis. (T/8

(b) Plants which synthesise their food are called saprotrophs. (T/8

(c) The product of photosynthesis is not a protein. (T/8

(d) Solar energy is converted into chemical energy during photosynthesis. (T/8

Ans. (a)-F; (b)-F; (c)-T; (d)-T

Q. 11. Choose the correct option from the following:
Which part of the plant takes in carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis?
(iii) Leaf veins (iv) Petals
(i) Root hair (ii) Stomata

Ans. (ii) Stomata.

12. Choose the correct option from the following:
Plants take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere mainly through their
(iv) leaves
(i) roots (ii) stem (iii) flowers

Ans. (iv) leaves.

Q. 13. Why do farmers grow many fruits and vegetable crops inside large green houses? What are the advantages
to the farmers?
Ans. Farmers grow many fruits and vegetables crops inside large green houses because green house provide
favourable conditions for these crops.
Advantages:
(i) Wide variety of plants can be grown.
(ii) It protects the plants from pests and predators.
(iii) It provides suitable temperature for the growth of plants.
 - ~ COMPETENCY-FOCUSED Q U E S
T IO N s: (A ~ p
Multiple Choice st
'•·. erNEP)
Que io ns
A• Con cept-based Questions
.
wh· h tion correctly h
1. ,c op hsts t e n utrients other tha n carbohydrates, in pla nts
.
( ) water fibres minerals
a
D (b) Fat, proteins, vit am
ins
?
' .
(c) Fibres, v,tam'.ms, wa
ter
D (d) Flavouring agents,
wa te r, vit am ins
. .
2. A teacher asks the stu d t to lis t the pomts abou .. . .
r
table shows the lis t pre en s t th e im po rta nc e of nu tn t,o
pared by. the students n m living
. organism
A. It supports th e no rm s.
al gr ow th an d de ve lop
me nt .
a. It allows each organism
to pr ep ar e its ow n fo
od .
c. It promotes overall healt
h of th e or ga nis m.
o. It allows organism to redu
ce its bo dy we igh t.
Based on the table, wh
ich statements are corre
(a) A and C ct?
(c) A and B
D (b) Ba nd D
3. The table shows the mo
D (d) C and D
de of nutrition in tw o dif
ferent or ga nis ms .
Organism 1 Utilises raw material
fro m su rro un di
Organism 2 Consumes food prepa
red by or ga nis
What is the likely mode
of nutrition of the tw o
(a) Organism 1= autot organisms?
rophic, Organism 2= au
(b) Organism 1= autot totrophic
rophic, Organism 2=he
(c) Organism 1= heter
otrophic, Organism 2=
terotrophic D
(d) Organism 1= heter autotrophic
otrophic, Organism 2=
4. Which statement corre heterotrophic C
ctly explains the proce
ss of ph oto sy nt [J
(a) In the presence of
sunlight, chlorophyll us
(b) In the presence of es water and
sunlight, chlorophyll us
produce carbohydrates es o
.
(c) In the presence of
sunlight, chlor
produce carbohydrates
.
(d) In the presence of
sunlight, chi
to produce carbohydra
tes.
5. Which equation correctl
y describes
(a) c6H12O6 + 0 sunlight
2
chlorophyll

(b) CO + H
2 O sunlight
2
chlorophyll

(c)

(d)
 nutrient is likely to be synthesised in plants
6. Plants prepare carbohydrates during photosynthesis. Which
when the soil is rich in bacteria that fix gaseous nitrogen?
(a) Minerals O (b) Proteins D
(c) Vitamins D (d) Water D
is prepare its food?
7. How do plants that lack chlorophyll to perform photosynthes
(a) They obtain simple food from animals. D
(b) They obtain raw materials from their surroundings. D
(c) They obtain food in the form of energy from sunlight. D
(d) They obtain readymade food from photosynthetic plants. D
8. The table lists the characteristic of an insectivorous plant.

A. It is green in colour.
B. The body of the plant consists of a lid and pitcher.
juices.
C. It traps the insects and digests them by secreting digestive
n of this plant?
Based on these characteristics, what is the likely mode of nutritio
(a) Autotrophic D
(b) Autotrophic and Heterotrophic D
(c) Both autotrophic and saprotrophic D
(d) Both heterotrophic and saprotrophic D
symbionts.
9. Listed below are some of the characteristics of saprophytes and

A. They absorb nutrients from dead and decay.

B. They depend on plants and animals for nutrition.
c. They live together with other organisms to share space and food.
Which option correctly classifies these characteristics?
B C
A
(a) Symbionts Both saprophytes Saprophytes D
and symbionts

(b) Saprophytes Both saprophytes Symbionts D

and symbionts

(c) Both saprophytes Saprophytes Symbionts D

and symbionts
(d) Symbionts Saprophytes Both saprophytes and symbionts D
the roots. The Rhizobium provides usable
1o. In legumes, Rhizobium bacteria are commonly observed in
bacteria. What is the type of relationship
nitrogen while the plant in return provides shelter and food to the
between these both?
(a) Symbiotic, as both benefit each other for food. D
(b) Competition, as both compete for atmospheric nitrogen. D
(c) Parasitic, as Rhizobium consumes food prepared by plants. D
(d) Saprophytic, as Rhizobium decomposes the roots of the plant
and feed on them. D
 leaf from the plant and bo
11. A student takes ag ree ; ils it
t adds a few drops of iod ine in a alc oh ol b
this treatment, the bstu ens to the bo ile d le ~th f_or rem
time the student o serve that the leaf tur ns blu e-b lac k in co lou r. w~
Using syrf"'al of ci.
' . . t with the starch present .
(a) The iodine rea_c s m the lea f tha t ind ica tesat can b 11ge d •1lor
th e eva topp~
photosynthesis. e occur llJated f t.
. d' cts wit h water present in the lea
(b) The 10 me reha . f tha t ind ica tes the rence roll\
of photosynt es1s. O ccurrenc Of
. e
• d' .
(c) The 10 mereacts with the oxygen present m the lea f tha t ind .
of photosynthesis. ica tes th
. . . e occu
(d) The iodine reacts with . rrence
carbo_n d1ox1de present m
occurrence of photosynthesis the lea f tha t ind ica tes the
.
12_ A student sets up an experiment u~
ing tw o po tte d pla nts in
I nt •,n the garden while the other m a the sa me typ e of soil
Pa den darkroom and wa ter ed bo
stu t observed that the plant m • th d k th the pla nts • The stud
e ar room d'1es w h'II e t h
What is the likely reason for h• b • ?
e oth er pla nt in thequally· After fivent
t ts o servat1on.
(a) Lack of water for the gro , e garden e~
wth. appears ,\
(b) Lack of minerals for the • .
growth.
(c) Lack of sunlight for ph
otosynthesis.
(d) Lack of carbon dioxide
for respiration.
B. Picture-based Questio
ns
13. The image shows how
plantsi)- __ _,a rb ondioxid
e and wa ter fro m the sur
rounding.s.

Prepared
od
Sunlight
t t' I
..,r ,-.l
,.
'...
xide

Based on the image, what

is the mode of nu trit ion in
(a) Autotrophic, as plant pla nts ?
obtains food in the for m
(b) Heterotrophic, as pla of su nli
nt consumes food prepar
(c) Autotrophic, as the pla ed b
nt prepares its own food
(d) Heterotrophic, as pla usl
nt obtain prepared food in e. -
14. The image shows a pa the ioxide.
rt of the food ch .
aan.
 . ls the claim made by the student
st
udent claimed that grasshopper has a heterotrophic mode of nutrition
A
correct?
(a) No, as the grasshoppers prepares
its own food. D
(b) No, as the grasshoppers provides
food to the plants. D
(c) Yes, as the grasshopper takes
in food prepared by the grass. D
(d) Yes, as the grasshopper takes
in food prepared by other grasshoppe
rs.
D
a leaf.
15. The image shows the section of
• • • ••• ••• •••

Chlorophyll
part in the leaf?
What is the likely role of the labelled
(a) It helps in the absorption of wat
er from the roots. D
(b) It helps in capturing the energy
of the sunlight. D
(c) It helps in consuming carbon diox
ide from the air. D
(d) It helps in the absorption of food
from the surroundings. D
16. The image shows the structur
e of stoma on the leaf.

Stoma

Stoma open Stoma closed

onged period of time?

plant, if stoma remains closed for a prol
Wha t will be the likely effect on the
D
(a) It will allow the plant to store mor
e food in the leaves.
more minerals from the roots.
D
(b) It will allow the plant to absorb
in the plant for photosynthesis.
D
(c) It will prevent the entry of water
dioxide in the plant for photosynthesis.
D
(d) It will prevent the entry of carbon
coloured leaves.
17. The image shows the different

Green Yellow Red

the claim made by the
claimed that leaves other than green show less photosynthetic activity. Is
A student
student right?
(a) No, as other leaves also have chlo
rophyll to perform the same level of pho
tosynthesis. D
(b) Yes, as only green coloured leav
es have chlorophyll to perform more
photosynthesis. D
(c) No, as other leaves can also perf
orm photosynthesis even in the absenc
e of chlorophyll. D
t to perform
es can absorb energy from the sunligh
(d) Yes, as only green coloured leav
photosynthesis. D

21
 18. The image shows
tw o differen t organisms.

Pitcher pla nt Mu sh ro om
Which of these charac
ters is shared by both?
(a) Both are plants.
(b) Both depend on food
prepared by others.
(c) Both have a saprotrop
hic mode of nu tri tio n.
(d) Both have chlorophyll I
19 . A farmer observe
to perform ph oto sy nth
es is. I
s the growth of Rhizo
bium on th e ro ot s of its l
pla nt s as sh ow n.

How will th is likely bene

fit the farmer?
(a) It will increase the
growth of unwanted pla
(b) It will increase the nts.
use of manures in the
(c) It will reduce the ne field.
ed of nitrogenous fertili
(d) It will reduce the sers in the field.
need for raw material
by the plants to
20 . A student collecte
d different coloured lea
photosynthesis? ves from his ga

Brown
A
(a) A and B
(c) Ca nd O
 different beds in three consecutive years.
21. The model shows how a farmer plants the crop in
Bed 1 Bed 2 Bed 3

Year l

Tomato Legume Carrot

Year 2

Carrot Tomato Legume

Year 3

Legume Carrot Tomato

crops?
What is the likely benefit of this pattern of planting
(a) It increases the height of the crops.
D
(b) It increases the fertili ty of the soil.
D
(c) It reduces the water requirement of crops.
D
(d) It increases the same type of nutrients in the
soil. D

Answers
4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (d)
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (b)
12. (c) 13. (c) 14. (c)
9. (b) 10. (a) 11. (a)
8. (b) 21. (b)
18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (d)
16. (d) 17. (a)
15. (b)

23
 eason Questions
_ _ _ _ _ _ Assertion-R
Reason (R). A
stat~m ents - Assertion (A) and
The following questio ns con ~is t ~f two nswe, th
ion given below. es~
selecting the approp riate opt , • f A q
correct exp,anatJon •
true and R is the
(a) Both A and Rare
n ofA.
Ris not the correct explanatio
(b) Both A and Rare true but

(c) A is true but Ris false.

(d) A is false but Ris true. own food.
n plants cannot make their
1. Assertion (A) : Non-gree .
d therefore cannot sYnthes,s
n gre en pla nts do no t hav e chlorophyll an.
Reason (R) : No etheir 0
ste m of cac tus plant are reduced to spines.
2. Assertion (A) : The ce to red uce water loss from 1
~!
spines for ma tion tak es pla
Reason (R) : In cactus, in
Pant by transpirar
the soil in which fegumin ous plants g '<rt
ous fer tilizers are no t added
3. Assertion (A) ; Nitrogene . I
. •
h symb'10t·1c reIat,.onsh.1p with the bacteria w . row.
us p ant s s ow hrch lives in !he
Reason (R) : Legumino
nodules.
synthesis.
4. Assertion (A) : Chloro
phyll is important for photo
ves.
sis occurs only in green lea
Reason (R) : Photosynthe
is an insectivorous plant.
5. Assertion (A) : Cuscuta plants.
(R) : Ins ect -ea ting pla nts are called insectivorous
Reason

Answers
1. (c)
nt are reduced to spines.
2. (d) The leaves of cactus pla
3. (b)
e non-gr~e
4. (c) Photosynthesis als
o occurs in plants which hav
plant. . . ,:
5. (d) Cuscuta is a parasitic

. C~s_e-~a_sed Questi
thread-like fungi whi~h live ne
ars he fu~gi ~rap around and~
The follo~ing picture shows t e plant provides carboh
nt to get minerals an
the plants ~oot. It helps the pla er
to the tung,.

1. Xand Yshow the directio

n of
(a) Which substance mov
(b) Which substance mo st It
2. Parasite is an organi ailed h? ~o5t
energy and nutrient turn to ,ts
group of fungi sho
 3. The sun provides energy for all living things. Gurmeet wrote two statements to explain the above fact.
Statement 1: All autotrophs prepare their own food in the presence of sun light.
Statement 2: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
What of the following should be statement 2?
(a) All autotrophs are plants.
(b) All heterotrophs are animals.
(c) All autotrophs contain chlorophyll pigment.
(d) All heterotrophs get energy directly or indirectly from autotrophs.
Ans. 1. (a) X is the direction of movement of carbohydrates.
(b) Y is the direction of movement of water and minerals.
2. The group of fungi shown in the picture is not a parasite. This is because it helps the plant to get
minerals and water from the soil.
3. {d) All heterotrophs get energy directly or indirectly from autotrophs.

Activity-based Question
Activity: Plant Adaptations in Carnivorous Plants {Creating Own Species) [~xperientia/ Skitn
Materials required : Internet access or books with pictures of carnivorous plants, craft materials such as
paper, markers, balls, paper clips, glue etc.
Procedure:
1. List some mechanisms that insectivorous plant use for their functioning and specific features.
2. Make groups of four students and create their own 3-D models of carnivorous plants. Ask them to first
decide what prey their plant will attract.
Answer the following questions:
(a) How does plant attract its prey?
(b) How does plant trap its prey?
(c) What happens to the prey after it is trapped?
(d) Name two carnivorous plants.
Ans. (a) The carnivorous plants produce smelling nectar and have intense colour to attract prey.
(b) Leaves are modified to trap prey.
(c) Carnivorous plants trap the prey, kill them and digest them to obtain nitrogen compounds for their growth.
(d) Pitcher plant and sundew.

Questions for Practice

A. Objective Type Questions
I. Multiple Choice Questions
Tick (-'J the correct option.
1. Which one of the following is not a saprophyte?
(a) Mushroom D (b) Cuscuta D
(c) Bread mould D (d) Bacteria D
2. An organism that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into soluble form is
(a) fungi D (b) algae D
(c) Rhizobium D (d) virus D
3. Iodine gives blue-black colour in the presence of
(a) cellulose D (b) protein D
(c) fat D (d) starch D
25
 . Which part dioxide fr o
\a m th e a ir fo
Of t he P nt gets car bon
4
(a) stomata O r p h o to s y n
(b) R o o t h a
th e s is ?

(c) sepa\s O (d) Leaf v e in

ir
s
s. [Link] Of these is not ne sary for photosynthes
(a) carbon
• . ces
e
D is?
(b) Chloroph
(c) Light
d1ox1d
D yll
(d) N it ro g
en
6 When w obse \ we
. Which ofe th rve the o r surface o f a \eaf th ro u g
e following is
t
h a m a g n ,'f •
the term given h y1ng \e n s
to s u e open • ? w e see nu
mero
~ n
(a) Stoma
(c) Midrib ta D (b ) Lamma gs. us srna\\
7. Pitcher pla
n
D (d ) Veins
[NCERT'
<xeiri
(a) is a hettertraps insects because it
otroph.
(c) does not
have chloroph
0 (b) grows in l
yll. 0 soil th a t la c
8. The term (d) h a s a dig k s in nitroge [NCERT Ex~
that is used fo estive s y s te n.
r the mode of m like huma ,
(a) autotroph nutrition in _y n b ei
ic east,_ mushroo n g s.
{c) saprop D (b ) msect,voro
m a n d b re a
d m ou ld is [NCERT Exe~
\.

9 . \n the ab
hytic
sence of wh
D (d) parasif
us
ic h of the fo\\
{a) Guard owing, wi\\
ce\\s p h o to
{c) Vacuo\e D (b) Ch
sy

II . Fil\ in t h
e bla
D (d) S p
nks.
1 . The chem
ica\ formu\a
of g\ucose is
2.. The sma\\ _ _ __
pores on the
\ower surfa
3 . The mode ce o f a \eaf
are c a ll
of nutrition
in \ichens is
4. P\ants sh
ow - - - --
5. The \eave and _ _ _
s of cactus _ m ode s o
are reduced f
6. _ _ _ _ b to sp·mes o
act en•a rIVes rth o rn s
in the roots
Il l. W ri te tr o f \egumin '
u e o r false ous
1 . Ch\oroph~
. R e w ri te th
\\ ~raps sun\ig e false s
2.. Carbon d1 ht for photo
ox1de is the sy
3. The a\ga
wa~e erodlJ
and fungus St
together are
4. Plants re kno
quire a lo t o
f potassium
5. Parasite s do not co t
6 . Photosvn ntain chloropfi
•"'-:S IS
•., ••uu • •In th
o
e plants Ii
IV. Match the followin
ColwnnA
g.
1. Blue-black
colour
2. Green pig
ment
3. u,_ _ _
 c. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. What is nutrition?
L2:4-low are nutrients in the soil replenished?
3. What is symbiosis?
4. How does exchange of gases takes place in leaves?
~ h a t is photosynthesis? H \'8--

6. What is the first step in photosynthesis?

7. Sunlight, chlorophyll, carbon dioxide, water and minerals are raw materials essential for photosynthesis.
Do you know where they are available? Fill in the blanks with the appropriate raw materials.
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Available in the plant: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

(b) Available in the soil:

(c) Available in the air:

(d) Available during day:

8. Observe the diagram given below and label the following terms given in the box. [NCERT Exemplar]

Stomata/ opening, guard cell

~ h y do organisms need to take food? .
[Link] are insectivorous plants? Give two examples of insectivorous plants. ti 1
\,i::J
11. How does a pitcher plant trap an insect?
Jµ-What are total and partial parasites? Give examples. H, w
13. What is the importance of photosynthesis?

I p Answer the following questions in detail.

1. With the help of an activity prove that chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis.
2. How would you demonstrate that light is necessary for photosynthesis?
,,>! Explain symbiotic relationship in Rhizobium and leguminous plants. ,;;u..,
~ i f e on the earth would be impossible in the absence of photosynthesis." Give reasons to support this
statement. \-\ " 0:J [NCERT Exemplar]
""1)istinguish between the following.
(a) Parasite and Saprophyte. ,{Pr1\utotrophs and Heterotrophs.

D. Higher Order Thinking Skills. (HOTS)

can algae and fungi mutually benefit each other? H'
~ y do leaves grow in different patterns?
3. If the plant is not green coloured, will it photosynthesise or not?
4. Is it possible for plants to grow in artificial light like tube light.

27

7
 5. complete the
web ch ar t
PLANTS
I
r I l
sunlight Water l
k
l
fro 1
ta en m air absorbed
by roots
th ro u g h
c;

Results in
formation of ..

fo od
l 1
Stored as given back to
starch by plants
atmosphere
E. Art Integration
Chlorophyll, the
green pigment found in a pl
a key ingredient in ant's \eaves, is
the process of
makes great pain photos ynthesis. It al so
t! Materials requ
students): 8-1 o le ire d (to be sourced by th
aves, a white sh e
eet of paper, an
spoon. d a meta\
Draw the outline
of the bark of a
image aside. tree as shown in
th e
Fold your paper in
half.
Place several leav
es between the fo
Press firmly on th lded paper.
e leaves with a m
Avoid plastic spoo et al spoon to ex tra
ns as they break ct th e pi g
The student can w hen pressed as co lo ur th e leaves
also ball up a few fir m ly as o
leaves and use th
em as a p
leaves of the

A. I. Multiple Cho
Answers
ice Questions.
1. (b) 2. (c)
7. (b) 3. (d)
8. (c) 4. (a)
9. (b)
II. Fill in th e blan
ks.
1. C6H O
\2 6

4. autotrophic, he
terotrophic symbiosis
m. Write True or False
fo r each ·zobium
1. True 2 F I
• a se- Oxygen is
3. True 4 l=Al!i:tA
5. True "l '! ~ " P ~ t, r~
.:.
.u. False- Photosyn
IV. M at ch th e fo
llow ing.
1. C
2. a