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olympiad notes 2

Uploaded by

nehamaheshwari0288
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Nutrition in Plants

Plants are autotrophic organisms, meaning they make their own food through photosynthesis.
This process involves using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (a form of
sugar) and oxygen.

1. Photosynthesis

 Definition: The process by which plants convert light energy, usually from the sun, into
chemical energy stored in glucose.
 Location: Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, which contain the
green pigment chlorophyll.
 Formula: 6CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O2
o Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Absorbed from the air through the stomata (tiny pores)
in the leaves.
o Water (H₂O): Absorbed from the soil through roots.
o Chlorophyll: Absorbs sunlight, particularly blue and red light, to drive the
process.

2. Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

 Light Intensity: Increased light intensity enhances the rate of photosynthesis until a
certain point.
 Carbon Dioxide Concentration: More CO₂ increases the rate of photosynthesis, up to a
limit.
 Temperature: Enzymes involved in photosynthesis work best at optimal temperatures
(typically 25-30°C).
 Water Availability: Water is crucial for photosynthesis. Lack of water can slow down or
stop the process.

3. Nutrition in Plants (Mode of Nutrition)

 Autotrophic Nutrition: Plants make their own food through photosynthesis.


 Heterotrophic Nutrition in Plants:
o Carnivorous Plants: Some plants like Venus flytrap and pitcher plants obtain
nutrients by trapping and digesting animals, particularly insects, for nitrogen and
other nutrients.
o Parasitic Plants: Plants like mistletoe obtain nutrients from other plants by
attaching to their host and drawing resources.
4. Transport of Nutrients in Plants

 Xylem: Transports water and minerals absorbed by roots from the soil to the leaves.
 Phloem: Transports glucose (produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to other
parts of the plant for growth and storage.

Nutrition in Animals

Animals are heterotrophic, meaning they cannot make their own food and must obtain it from
other organisms. They acquire their nutrition through ingestion and digestion.

1. Types of Nutrition in Animals

 Holozoic Nutrition: Most animals, including humans, exhibit this type of nutrition,
where food is ingested, digested, and absorbed. The food is then assimilated to produce
energy.
o Ingestion: The intake of food.
o Digestion: The breakdown of complex food molecules into simpler forms (e.g.,
proteins into amino acids, carbohydrates into sugars).
o Absorption: The uptake of nutrients into the bloodstream.
o Assimilation: The process where absorbed nutrients are used for energy, growth,
and repair.
o Egestion: The removal of undigested food (feces).

2. Digestive System in Humans

 Mouth: Food is ingested and mechanically broken down by teeth. Saliva, containing the
enzyme amylase, begins the breakdown of starches into simple sugars.
 Esophagus: A muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.
 Stomach: A sac-like organ where food is mixed with gastric juices (containing
hydrochloric acid and enzymes like pepsin) to begin protein digestion.
 Small Intestine: The main site of digestion and absorption. The pancreas secretes
enzymes (lipase, amylase, trypsin), and the liver produces bile for fat emulsification.
o Villi: Tiny hair-like structures in the small intestine that increase surface area for
nutrient absorption.
 Large Intestine: Absorbs water and minerals from the undigested food, and forms solid
waste (feces).
 Anus: The exit point for undigested food in the form of feces.
3. Digestive Enzymes

 Amylase: Breaks down starch into simpler sugars.


 Protease (Pepsin, Trypsin): Breaks down proteins into amino acids.
 Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

4. Types of Animal Feeding Habits

 Herbivores: Animals that feed on plants (e.g., cows, rabbits).


 Carnivores: Animals that feed on other animals (e.g., lions, eagles).
 Omnivores: Animals that feed on both plants and animals (e.g., humans, bears).
 Detritivores: Animals that feed on decomposing organic matter (e.g., earthworms).
 Parasites: Organisms that obtain nutrients from a host, often harming it (e.g., tapeworms,
lice).

5. Excretion in Animals Excretion is the process of removing waste products produced during
metabolism, such as urea, carbon dioxide, and water.

 Kidneys: Filter blood and excrete waste products as urine.


 Lungs: Excrete carbon dioxide produced during respiration.
 Skin: Excretes excess salts and water through sweat.

6. Respiratory System in Animals Animals require oxygen for cellular respiration, which
releases energy from glucose. The oxygen is delivered to cells via the bloodstream, and carbon
dioxide, a waste product, is expelled.

 In Humans: Air enters through the nose, travels through the trachea, bronchi, and
bronchioles, and reaches the alveoli where gas exchange occurs (oxygen in, carbon
dioxide out).

7. Energy Flow in Ecosystems In ecosystems, plants (producers) convert solar energy into
chemical energy via photosynthesis, and animals (consumers) obtain this energy by feeding on
plants or other animals. Energy flows from one trophic level to the next:

 Producers (plants) → Primary Consumers (herbivores) → Secondary Consumers


(carnivores) → Tertiary Consumers (top predators).
Key Differences Between Plant and Animal Nutrition

Aspect Nutrition in Plants Nutrition in Animals


Mode of
Autotrophic (self-sustaining) Heterotrophic (requires external food)
Nutrition
Source of Food Sunlight, CO₂, H₂O Other organisms (plants or animals)
Ingestion, digestion, absorption,
Process Photosynthesis
assimilation
Light energy converted into
Energy Source Chemical energy from consumed food
chemical energy
Digestive None (uses specialized tissues for Complex digestive system (mouth, stomach,
System transport) intestines, etc.)
Oxygen as a by-product of
Excretion Urea, CO₂, water, and undigested food
photosynthesis

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