PLANT NUTRITION

Photosynthesis
• Is the process in which light energy absorbed by chlorophyll
is transformed into chemical energy.
• The chemical energy is used to synthesize carbohydrate from
water and carbon dioxide.
• Water and carbon dioxide are the raw materials for
photosynthesis.
• Oxygen is released during the process.
 Equations for Photosynthesis
Light-dependent or light
stage chemical
energy
photolysis
H2O 6 O2 + 24 H
of water
water oxygen gas hydrogen atoms

Light-dependent or light stage

enzyme-controlled
CO2 reactions + 6 H2O
C6H12O6
carbon dioxide glucose water

Overall equation of photosynthesis

light energy
CO2 + 12 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2 + 6 H2O
chlorophyll
Or as a word
equation light energy
carbon dioxide + water glucose + oxygen + water
chlorophyll
Conditions/ factors essential for photosynthesis

• Sunlight
• Carbon dioxide
• Chlorophyll
• Suitable temperature
• Water
Limiting factors:
• Light intensity
• Concentration of carbon dioxide
• Temperature
What happens to glucose that is formed during
photosynthesis?
1. Glucose is used immediately by plant cells.
 used to provide energy for cellular activities
 used for the formation of cell wall
2. Glucose is converted into sucrose or starch in leaves.
 Stored in seeds, stem tubers or root tubers.
3. Glucose is used to form amino acids and proteins.
4. Glucose is used to form fats.
Importance of photosynthesis

• Makes energy available to animals

• Removes carbon dioxide and provides

oxygen

• Energy is stored in coal.

Transverse section of a leaf
Inner layers of the leaf
• UPPER EPIDERMIS
• Few stomata
• Cuticle
• Protects the inner layers of the leaf
• Waterproofs the leaf
• Prevents excessive evaporation of water.
• Is transparent to allow light to pass
through
Inner layers of the leaf
• MESOPHYLL LAYER
• PALISADE MESOPHYLL CELLS
• Closely packed cells
• Columnar in shape
• Main site of photosynthesis
• SPONGY MESOPHYLL CELLS
• Irregularly shaped
• Coated with thin film of moisture
• Has a lot of spaces in between them
Inner layers of the leaf
• LOWER EPIDERMIS
• Numerous Stomata
• Cuticle
• Guard cells
• Protects the stomata
• Regulates the entry and exit of gases
Mineral Requirements
• Nitrogen (Nitrates)
• Essential for producing
amino acid
• Plants that do not get
enough nitrates suffer from
poor growth (dwarf plants,
stunted growth)
Mineral Requirements
• Magnesium
• Needed for chlorophyll
production
• Deficiency causes yellowing
in plants (chlorotic)