Life Processes

The word life processes means the

processes taking place in the human body
or in living organisms which are needed
for the existence of life on Earth.

For example – Digestion, respiration,

excretion, reproduction, etc.
 NUTRITION: It is the process by which an
organism obtains its food from its surroundings
to get energy for various life processes
 Autotrophic Nutrition
• It is a mode of nutrition in which green plants
prepare their own food by the process of
photosynthesis in presence of sunlight and
chlorophyll.
• Photosynthesis equation-
• 6C02 +12H2O--------- C6H12O6 + 6O2 +6H2O
• Two phases of photosynthesis- light and dark
reactions
• Light reaction- light energy absorbed, H2O split
into H2 and O2, energy rich molecules
synthesized
• Dark reaction- CO2 reduced to carbohydrates
HETEROTROPHIC NUTRITION
 Heterotrophic Nutrition
In this mode of nutrition, the organism cannot
prepare its own food and depends on other plants
and animals to fulfil its energy needs.
•Mainly of three types—
• Holozoic : The organism takes the whole food into its body,
digests it, absorbs it, absorbs the simple food, assimilates it and
excretes the undigested waste. Eg, Paramecium, Amoeba, Humans.
• Parasitic : The organism obtains its food by harming the host and
it is in turn benefitted. Eg. Leech, Ticks ( ectoparasites)
•Ascaris, tapeworm( endoparasites)
•Cuscuta ( plant parasite )
• Saprophytic:These organisms feed on dead and decaying
matter. Eg. Mushroom, Bread mould( fungi)
 What is Photosynthesis? Where does it take
place in a plant cell? Explain the three main
steps that occur during the process of
photosynthesis.
• Meaning – the process of the synthesis of
carbohydrates or food from carbon dioxide and water
in presence of sunlight and chlorophyll is called
photosynthesis.
• It takes place in the chloroplast of plant cell.
THREE MAIN STEPS
• 1. Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll.
• 2. Conversion of light energy to chemical energy and
splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and
oxygen
• 3. Reduction of carbon dioxide to carbohydrates.
 What is Stomata? How is opening
and closing of stomata controlled?
• Meaning – Stomata is a minute epidermal
pore on the surface of a leaf through
which gases and water vapour can pass.
• The opening and closing of stomata is
controlled by guard cells
• When the guard cells absorb water the
stoma open and when guard cells don’t
have water they shrink and the stoma
close.
 Explain the structure and function of
stomata. Also draw a labelled diagram.

STRUCTURE: i) Stomata consist of an opening called

stomatal pore.
Ii) Stomatal pore is surrounded by two bean shaped guard
cells.
Iii) Guard cells are surrounded by the epidermal cells of the

leaves.
FUNCTION: I) They help in exchange of gases.
Ii) They help in transpiration.
 ACTIVITY 6.1: To show that Chlorophyll is
necessary for photosynthesis
• STEPS:
• I) Take a potted plant with variegated leaves eg.
Money plant, crotons
• Ii) Keep the potted plant in dark room
• Iii) Keep the plant in sunlight for six hours.
• Iv) Pluck a leaf from the plant and bring it to the
lab. Draw the leaf on a paper and mark the green
areas on it.
• V) Perform the starch test
• Vi) The green portion of the leaf will turn blue
black after starch test whereas other parts will
remain colourless.
STARCH TEST
 ACTIVITY 6.2:To show that CO2 is
necessary for photosynthesis

STEPS: I) Take two potted plants of similar six and

keep them in a dark room for three days.
Ii) arrange the set up as given in the picture.
Iii) Keep the plants in sunlight for two hours
iii) Pluck the leaves from both the set up and
perform starch test in the laboratory.
 ACTIVITY 6.2:To show that CO2 is
necessary for photosynthesis
• RESULT:
• After the starch test, leaf from the set up with
KOH solution will not turn blue black, because
KOH solution absorbs CO2, so no photosynthesis
takes place and no starch is formed.
• Leaf from the other set up, without KOH solution,
will turn blue black, because photosynthesis has
taken place due to the presence of CO2, water as
well as sunlight.
 Nutrition in Amoeba
• Amoeba shows holozoic nutrition.
• Amoeba takes in food using temporary finger
like extensions of cell surface which fuse over
food particle forming food vacuole .
• Inside the food vacuole, complex substances
are broken down into simpler ones which then
diffuse into the cytoplasm.
• The remaining undigested food is moves to the
surface of the cell and thrown out.
NUTRITION IN Amoeba
 ASSIGNMENT
1. What is common for Cuscuta, Ticks and Leeches?
2. In desert plants stomata are closed during the day time
to prevent water loss. How does photosynthesis take
place in them?
3. Answer the following questions related to the
experiments on photosynthesis.
a) Why is the potted plant kept in a dark room for three
days before starting the experiment?
b) What is a variegated leaf? Give two examples.
c) Why is the leaf boiled in alcohol?
d) What is the colour of iodine solution?
e) What is the role of KOH solution in activity 6.2.
4.How does Paramecium obtains its food? Explain briefly.