Nutrition

In Plants
Photosynthesis
• Photosynthesis is the process whereby energy obtained from sunlight is
used to change simple inorganic substances (water and carbon dioxide)
into food.
• This process is represented as:
Carbon Dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
• The sunlight is captured by chlorophyll; the green pigment found in the
leaves.
• The Glucose produced is used as energy for the plants, or is stored. The
oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
Storage Organs
• Plants store food for multiple reasons.
• One reason is that they must have a supply of glucose for their cellular
processes when they are not producing any (such as during the night).
• They also store food in cases of food scarcity, or when environmental
conditions are unfavourable (such as in cold temperatures or water
shortages).
• Storing food also helps in producing new plants (such as when a
potato sprouts).
• Plants can store food in their roots, stems and leaves.
Storage Organs (cont’d)
• ROOTS – A category of root storage organs are tubers, which are
modified roots. Examples include Cassava, Sweet Potato and Radish.
• STEMS – Rhizomes, Corms and Stem Tubers are categories of stem
storage organs. Examples include Ginger, Dasheen and Sugarcane.
• LEAVES – Examples of leaves as storage organs include Cabbages,
Succulents and Onions.
• These storage organs store starch, sugars and oils. Sugars are found in
plants like sugarcane, beets and fruits, while oils can be found in
sunflower seeds, peanuts and fruits like Avocado and Olives.