1. PLANT NUTRITION PROCESSES
UNIT 2
The nutrition function
PLANT NUTRITION PROCESSES
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education

2. Plant nutrition processes
UNIT 2
Plant nutrition processes
2. RESPIRATION
1. OBTAINING NUTRIENTS
3. SUBSTANCE DISTRIBUTION
1c Photosynthesis
1b Carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption
4. ELIMINATING WASTE MATTER
1a The absorption of water and mineral salts
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Natural Science 2. Secondary Education

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UNIT 2
Plant nutrition processes
1a. The absorption of water and mineral salts
Plants absorb water containing dissolved mineral salts from the soil.
This is done through cells located at the end of the roots, called root hairs.
The mixture of water and minerals absorbed by the roots is called xylem sap.
Root hairs
Water and mineral salts
Xylem sap
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education
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UNIT 2
Plant nutrition processes
1b. Carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption
Carbon dioxide enters the plant mainly through very small pores called stomata, which are found on the underside of the leaves.
CO2
Location of the stomata on the leaf
Stoma
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education
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UNIT 2
Plant nutrition processes
1c. Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts, which are located in the green parts of a plant.
The water and carbon dioxide absorbed by the plant reach the chloroplasts and, with the energy from sunlight, are transformed into carbohydrates. Oxygen is produced as a by-product.
The carbohidrates mix with the water in the leaf and form phloem sap.
Solar energy
Xylem sap
Water and carbohydrates (phloem sap)
Chloroplast
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H2O + CO2 O2
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education

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UNIT 2
Plant nutrition processes
2. Respiration
Plants are constantly respiring. This process is carried out by the mitochondria.
The plant absorbs oxygen through the stomata and the root hairs.
This oxygen reaches the mitochondria, where it is used to get energy from carbohydrates.
CO2 and water are released.
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Energy
Carbohydrates
Water
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education
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UNIT 2
Plant nutrition processes
3. Substance distribution
Substances in the plant are transported through tube-shaped vessels which run along the stem, the branches and the leaf veins.
Some vessels take the xylem sap from the roots to the green parts of the plant.
Others distribute the phloem sap throughout the plant.
Xylem sap
Phloem sap
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education
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UNIT 2
Plant nutrition processes
4. Eliminating waste matter
Plants eliminate waste in various ways:
The oxygen from photosynthesis, the carbon dioxide from respiration and excess water are eliminated through the stomata.
Plants store waste in the cells of old leaves and then they eliminate them.
They can also release substances like latex and resin through cuts in the stem.
Stomata
Water
Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
Cut
Old leaves
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education
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