R
Rishtaara
Science · Class 7

Nutrition in Plants

Photosynthesis, modes of nutrition, and soil nutrients for plants.

4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples

Chapter Overview

Photosynthesis equation: CO₂ + H₂O → (sunlight/chlorophyll) → glucose + O₂

Green plants are autotrophs — they synthesise food using CO₂, water, sunlight, and chlorophyll. This chapter also covers saprotrophs, parasites, insectivorous plants, and how nutrients are replenished in soil.

Photosynthesis

  • Raw materials: CO₂ (stomata) + water (roots)
  • Products: glucose + oxygen
  • Occurs in green parts, mainly leaves
  • Chlorophyll traps solar energy

Other Modes of Nutrition

  • Parasites: Cuscuta (amarbel) — no chlorophyll, climbs host
  • Insectivorous: pitcher plant, Venus flytrap — nitrogen from insects
  • Saprotrophs: fungi — feed on dead matter
  • Symbiotic: Rhizobium bacteria in legume root nodules fix nitrogen

Soil Fertility

  • Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium absorbed by roots
  • Crop rotation and legumes restore nitrogen
  • Fertilisers and manure add nutrients

Solved Examples

Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.

Photosynthesis equation

List raw materials and products of photosynthesis.

  1. 1CO₂ from air through stomata
  2. 2Water from soil through xylem
  3. 3Glucose stored as starch; O₂ released

Answer

CO₂ + H₂O → (sunlight/chlorophyll) → glucose + O₂

Nutrition mode

Classify: mushroom, green plant, Cuscuta.

  1. 1Mushroom — saprotroph
  2. 2Green plant — autotroph
  3. 3Cuscuta — parasite on host

Answer

Saprotroph, autotroph, parasite respectively

Key Points to Remember

  • Stomata allow gas exchange in leaves
  • Lichens: algae + fungi living together
  • Heterotrophs depend on others for food

Exam Tips

  • Draw labelled leaf cross-section showing stomata
  • Give examples of parasitic and insectivorous plants
  • Write word equation for photosynthesis

Practice MCQs — Nutrition in Plants

Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.

Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0

Plants that make their own food are: