MODE OF NUTRITION AND PLANT NUTRITION

CONTENT
 Autotrophic nutrition
 Heterotrophic nutrition
 Modes of Autotrophic Nutrition (Photosynthesis and Chemosynthesis)
 Photosynthesis
 Mechanisms of photosynthesis
 Importance of photosynthesis
 Experiments on photosynthesis
 Chemosynthesis
 Mineral Requirements of Plants
AUTOTROPHIC NUTRITION
Plants are referred to as autotrophs, i.e. being able to manufacture their food (Organic compound
from inorganic materials such as water, carbon dioxide)
Autotrophs generally have two modes of nutrition which are chemosynthesis and photosynthesis
(holophytic).

HETEROTROPHIC NUTRITION
This is a type of nutrition in which organisms depend directly or indirectly on autotrophs for
food. All animals, fungi, protozoa and some bacteria belong to this group and they are referred to
as heterotrophs

HETEROTROPHIC MODES OF FEEDING

(a) Holozoic Nutrition
This is the mode of feeding in which food is ingested in the form of complex organic
substances which is digested and assimilated into the body. Holozoic organisms are
grouped into carnivores, herbivores, omnivores and scavengers.
(b) Parasitic Nutrition
This is the mode of feeding in which certain organisms (parasites) feed on other
organisms (host). Parasites can be endoparasites (tapeworm, liver fluke) or ectoparasites
(lice, ticks) depending on whether they live inside or outside the host. Plant parasites
include dodder, mistletoe. Parasites have special structures such as haustoria, sucker,
hooks, and muscular lips e. t. c.
(c) Saprophytic Nutrition
This is feeding process in which certain organisms (saprophytes) feed on non living
organic matter i. e. plant and animal remains. Saprophytes secrete digestive enzymes into
the dead organic matter to digest the food (extracellular digestion) and the soluble food
substances are then absorbed into their body. Examples include fungi i.e. mucor,
mushroom, yeast and some bacteria
(d) Symbiotic Nutrition
 This is a mode of feeding in which two organisms of different species called symbionts
live together and derive mutual benefits e.g. nutrients or food, shelter, moisture e. t. c
from each other. Examples are nitrogen-fixing bacteria called Rhizobia, which live in
root nodules of legumes, algae and fungi in a lichen.
(e) Carnivorous / Insectivorous Nutrition
This is a feeding process in which some plants that have special devices trap and digest
insects. These plants grow in poor soil and proteins obtained from the insects are used to
supplement their nitrogenous compound requirement. These plants secrete enzymes
which help in digesting their victim. Examples include bladderwort (Ultricularia), Pitcher
plant, sundew and venus fly trap

MODES OF AUTOTROPHIC NUTRITION

Plants are referred to as autotrophs, i.e. being able to manufacture their food (Organic compound
from inorganic materials such as water, carbon dioxide)
Autotrophs generally have two modes of nutrition which are chemosynthesis and photosynthesis

PHOTOSYNTHESIS
This is the process by which green plants synthesize organic compounds from inorganic raw
materials in the presence of chlorophyll and light.
light
6C02 + 6H20 C6H12O6 + 602
(Inorganic materials) Chlorophyll (organic compound) (by product)

The main product of photosynthesis is sugar (carbohydrate) while the oxygen given up is a by-
product which is released into the atmosphere.

FEATURES (CHARACTERISTICS) OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS

These are as follows:
1. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplast of cells in the presence of light.
2. The raw materials required are low energy containing inorganic compound i.e. CO2 and
H2O
3. The final product is a high energy containing compound (C6H12O6 )n Photosynthesis,
therefore is an anabolic process (metabolic building up process)
4. The energy required is obtained from solar energy through the chlorophyll (the green
pigment present in the chloroplast of green plants.
5. The carbon dioxide and oxygen diffuse in and out (respectively) between the surrounding
air and leaf passing through the stomata opening on the leaf surface. These gases are
stored in insoluble form until the day is dark. Then, the sugar is converted and
transported to other parts of the plants where it is needed. The movement of the sugar is
called translocation.
 6. Leaf is the main photosynthetic organ of the plant although all green parts of a plant are
photosynthetic. The main site of photosynthesis in a leaf is the pallisademesophyll.
MECHANISM OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Photosynthesis involves two stages
a. Light phase: it takes place during the day. It involves four stages
− Activation of chlorophyll: the chlorophyll trap light energy from the sun and get
energized
− Photolysis of water: splitting of water molecules by light energy
H2O H+ + OH--
OH− H2O
− Hydrogen transfer by NADP (NADP + H+ NADPH2)
− Formation of ATP from ADP: this takes place to store energy for the dark phase
reaction
b. Dark phase: In the dark phase of photosynthesis (occurring in the stroma of chloroplast
in the presence of NADPH and ATP), neither light energy nor chlorophyll is needed. This
stage takes place in the dark or at night.
During this phase, hydrogen ion and carbon dioxide molecule combine chemically under the
control of enzymes to form the simple sugar.
4H+ + CO2 CH2O + H2O
Simple sugar forms the chemical structural basis for other carbohydrates, lipids and proteins

IMPORTANCE OF PHOTOSYTHESIS
The enzyme-rich product of photosynthesis is used by plants and animals in the following ways:
1. The source of energy for their metabolic activities
2. It is needed in food cycle being the only process that can trap sun energy.
3. All animals and other heterotrophic plants are directly or indirectly dependent on green
plants for food.
4. Photosynthesis assists in the purification of the environment by removing carbon (iv)
oxide from it while oxygen is released into it.
5. Basis for manufacturing other complex organic compounds such as lipids, proteins

EXPERIMENTS IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS
The occurrence of photosynthesis in plants can be shown by experiments. Experiment is carried
out to show the importance of carbondioxide, sunlight energy, chlorophyll. There is the need to
prove that oxygen is given off.

Testing a leaf for starch

The leaf to be tested is detached from the plant and put into boiling water for about 10-15mins.
This kills the protoplasm of the leaf and makes iodine to easily penetrate the starch granules.
The boiled leaf is put into alcohol. This is to extract the chlorophyll from the leaf. The leaf
becomes white and brittle. It is then dipped into hot water to soften the tissues.
The bleached leaf is spread on a white tile a few drop of iodine is added to it. The colour of the
leaf is then tested against a light source.
If the leaf appears blue-black in colour, it contains starch, if the colour is yellowish-brown, it
contains no starch

To show that light is necessary for photosynthesis.

Two potted plants are kept in darkness or 48-72 hours to make it starch-free or carry out the
above experiment in destarching leaves. One of the potted plants remains in darkness while the
other is exposed to sunlight for 4 hours. Leaves from the potted plants exposed to light turns
blue-black when tested with iodine while the leaves kept in darkness remains brown. This shows
that without light, photosynthesis cannot take place

To show that oxygen is given off as a by-product of photosynthesis

In this experiment, gas is collected in the test tube placed over the green plant and tested with a
glowing splint. If it re-kindles the glowing splint, it shows that oxygen is given off because it is
the only colourless gas that re-kindles a glowing splint.

Experiment to show that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis

The same experiment in destarching a leaf is carried out here

Experiment to show that carbon (IV) oxide is necessary for photosynthesis

In this experiment, the leaves are destarched. Two potted plants are placed in two bell jars
labeled A and B. Each of the potted plants is place on a Vaseline glass plate to prevent air
containing carbon (iv) oxide from leaking into the bell jar. A dish containing lime water is placed
in one of the jars to absorb carbon (iv) oxide. Both jars are left exposed to sunlight for about 4
hours and tested for starch.

CONDITIONS (FACTORS) FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The two major conditions necessary for photosynthesis are
a. External factors which include light, water, carbon (iv) oxide and mineral salt.
b. Internal factors include chlorophyll and enzymes.
Temperature is partly external (from sunlight) and partly internal (from the chemical
reactions taking place in plant

CHEMOSYNTHESIS
This is the process by which non-green plants (e.g. Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, iron bacteria etc)
synthesize organic compound from inorganic materials (carbon dioxide and water). The energy
used in this process is got from inorganic substances such as ammonia and by hydrogen sulphite.
H2S + O2 S + H2O + chemical energy
chemical

H2O + CO2 CH2O

energy

MINERAL REQUIREMENTS OF PLANTS

Mineral elements are required for normal growth and development of green plants. In addition to
Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, other mineral requirements are discussed below. Unlike glucose
and other carbohydrates made from carbondioxide and water by green plants, mineral salts are
obtained from the soil.

Macronutrients
These are mineral nutrients that are required by plants in large quantities. They include the
following;
Macronutrients Importance Deficiency
Nitrogen(N) 1. Protein synthesis 1. Stunted growth and chlorosis
2. Nucliec acid synthesis 2. Poor flower and fruit
3. Proper root development formation
4. Component of chlorophyll and
enzymes
Phosphorus(P) 1. Formation of co-enzymes and 1. Poor root development
proteins 2. Stunted growth
2. Formation of DNA, RNA and ATP
3. Stem, root, fruit and seeds
formation
Sulphur(S) Formation of certain proteins in the 1. Stunted growth
protoplasm 2. Chlorosis
Potassium(K) 1. Protein synthesis 1. Premature death
2. Cell membrane formation 2. Leaf margin turns yellow and
3. Activates respiration and brown
photosynthesis
4. Crop maturation
Magnesium(Mg) 1. Formation of chlorophyll 1. Poor growth
2. Helps in cell division 2. Chlorosis
3. Activates many co-enzymes
Calcium(Ca) 1. Formation of cell wall 1. Death of terminal buds
2. Helps in storage of protein and 2. Roots develops poorly
carbohydrates in roots and tubers 3. Stunted growth
3. Gives rigidity to plants
Iron(Fe) 1. Formation of chlorophyll 1. Poor growth
 2. Formation of protein 2. Yellowing of leaves
MICRO NUTRIENTS
These are mineral nutrients required by plants in small quantities. They include the following;
Micro nutrients Importance Deficiency
Zinc(Zn) 1. Necessary for the synthesis of the 1. Poor growth
starting material of auxin
2. Activates some enzymes
3. Plays a role in the synthesis of protein
Copper(Cu) Component of respiratory enzymes Poor growth

Manganese(Mn) Activates some enzymes involved in Death of shoot

cellular respiration
Boron(B) Translocation of sugar and calcium Poor growth of pollen tubes
Chlorine(Cl) Necessary for oxygen release during Affects growth
photosynthesis
Molybdenum(Mb) 1. Necessary for nitrogen fixation by Poor growth
nitrogen-fixing bacteria
2. Activates the enzyme that reduces
nitrate to nitrite

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What is autotrophic nutrition?
2. List the two modes of autotrophic nutrition. (b) Differentiate between the two modes
listed above.
3. State the characteristics of photosynthesis.
4. What is the significance of leaf in photosynthesis?
5. State the two stages involved in the process of photosynthesis.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The main photosynthetic organ of plant is ----- (a) leaf (b) seed (c) fruit (d) root
2. Which of these is not a macro element needed for plant growth? A. potassium
B. magnesium C. sodium D. molybdenum
3. Yellowing of leaves is a symptoms associated with deficiency of A. iron, calcium and
magnesium B. nitrogen, sulphur and potassium C. sulphur, phosphorus and iron
D. iron, magnesium and nitrogen
4. Trace elements are required by plants mainly for the A. formation of pigments and
enzymes B. production of energy and hormones C. manufacture of carbohydrates
D. manufacture of protein
5. The dark phase of photosynthesis occurs in the ------- of chloroplast (a) cells (b) tissues
(c) fluid (d) stroma

THEORY
1. State five importance of photosynthesis
2. Differentiate between light and dark phase of photosynthesis