Plant Nutrition
Plant Nutrition
Plant Nutrition
Photosynthesis .
Photo- light.
Synthesis – manufacturing.
Water and carbon dioxide are the raw materials and glucose and oxygen are
the products.
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SAMPLE QUESTION
F/M 17 P32 Q6 (a) (i) State the word equation for photosynthesis. [2]
(ii) A plant needs chlorophyll to photosynthesise.
Name the part of a plant cell that contains chlorophyll. [1]
(iii) State two types of specialised cell that contain chlorophyll. [2]
N11 P43 Q3 (b) (i) Name the sugar that is transported in the phloem. [1]
(ii) Name the insoluble carbohydrate that is stored in plants . [1]
(c) Describe a food test you could carry out to show where the insoluble carbohydrate
named in (b)(ii) is found in a root [2]
2
Destarching a plant.
De- means removing.
De-starching – is the removal of starch of from a plant leaf.
At the beginning of the experiment, the plant leaf should not have any
starch.
This is done by leaving a plant in darkness for 2 to 3 days.
A potted plant is destarched by leaving it in a dark cupboard for 24 hours.
In darkness photosynthesis does not occur, all the starch is used during
respiration.
Destarching is done so that we will be sure that starch found in the leaf is
produced during the experiment.
Testing a leaf for starch.
Stages.
1.Submerge a leaf in boiling water for one minute.
Enzymes in the leaf cells are denatured, chemical reactions stop and leaf
dies.
The cell membrane is destroyed making it easier to extract chlorophyll.
2. A leaf is put in a test-tube with ethanol and the test tube is placed in
a beaker with hot water.
Chlorophyll is extracted.
3. The leaf is placed in a beaker with cold water.
To wash the chlorophyll.
To rehydrate the leaf which softens it, making it easier to spread.
4. Spread the leaf on a white tile and put drops of iodine solution.
SAMPLE QUESTION.
J 12 P61 Q1(e) Onion leaves are green. Students testing onion leaves for the presence of
starch used the method shown in the four stages of Fig. 1.5.
Explain the reasons for the details shown in each stage. Write your answers on the
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State the reasons for each stage. [4]
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SAMPLE QUESTION.
N07 P3 Q5(a) (i) The stages involved in testing a leaf for starch are shown below.
The stages are in the correct sequence, but the reasons are in the wrong order.
Use straight lines to match the stages with the correct reasons. One has been
(ii) Explain why chlorophyll is removed from the leaf before testing it for starch [1]
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THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS.
2.Chlorophyll, a green pigment that absorbs the energy from the light.
3. Carbon dioxide , which diffuses from the air into the leaf through the stomata.
NB: Water and carbon dioxide are the raw materials for photosynthesis.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS.
1.A part of destarched plant leaf is covered with aluminum foil or black opaque
paper to prevent light getting through.
Results.
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The part that was not covered received light and starch was produced during
photosynthesis and it turned blue –black.
The part that was covered did not photosynthesis as there was no light so it
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1.Two watered potted plants have their shoots enclosed by a transparent polythene
bag.
Transparent polythene bag prevents the entry of CO2 from the air.
2.In one pot a dish of soda lime that removes carbon dioxide is placed.(Set Y-
Experiment).
In the other pot a dish with same volume of sodium hydrogen carbonate that
provides carbon dioxide is put ( Set X-Control).
The leaf that had no carbon dioxide does not turn blue. The one from the polythene
bag containing CO2 does turn blue.
Interpretation.
The fact that starch was made in the leaves that had CO2, but not in the leaves that
had no CO2 suggests that carbon dioxide is necessary for photosynthesis.
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SAMPLE QUESTION.
N07 P3 Q5 An experiment was carried out to find out if carbon dioxide is needed for
photosynthesis.
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(b) State two factors, other than carbon dioxide, that both plants would need in order to
Photosynthesise [2]
(c) Plant B was used as a control in the experiment. Explain the importance of this control
(f) In a further experiment, another destarched plant was kept in the dark.
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The concentration of carbon dioxide in the container was measured at regular intervals
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Results .
Only parts that were previously green turn blue black and parts that were
white stain yellow / brown.
Since starch is present only in the parts that originally contained chlorophyll,
it shows that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis.
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When sufficient gas has collected from the plant in the light, the test tube is
removed.
A glowing splint is inserted at the opening of the test tube
Result.
Interpretation.
The relighting of a glowing splint does not prove that the gas collected in the
test tube is pure oxygen, but it shows that it contains extra oxygen and this
must have come from the plant.
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RATE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS.
Chief factors which affect the rate of photosynthesis are light intensity,
temperature and carbon dioxide.
In the absence of light, photosynthesis does not occur and only respiration occurs.
At higher light intensities, a net uptake of CO2 and release of oxygen is reached .
At very high light intensities, the rate of photosynthesis slows down as excessive amounts
of ultraviolet rays damage chlorophyll molecules.
The rate of photosynthesis is measured by dividing the volume of gas produced by the
time taken.
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SAMPLE QUESTION.
Fig. 2.1
The investigation was carried out in a dark laboratory. The only light source
was the lamp, as
shown in Fig. 2.1.
The student changed the light intensity by placing the lamp at different
distances from the plant.
The results are shown in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1
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(a) (i) Plot a graph of the data in Table 2.1 and draw a line of best fit.
[5]
(ii) Use your graph to estimate the distance of the lamp from the plant when
six bubbles of
oxygen per minute would be produced.
Show on the graph how you obtained your answer.
[2]
(iii) Describe the relationship between light intensity and the rate at which
oxygen is produced
by the plant.
[2]
(iv) Suggest why the student used a water-bath in the investigation shown in
Fig. 2.1.[1]
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SAMPLE QUESTION.
Fig. 4.1
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the water surrounding the plant was changed by
adding different concentrations of sodium hydrogencarbonate solution to the water.
The student recorded the time taken for the meniscus to travel 50 mm down the tubing.
The rate of photosynthesis was calculated as:
Table 4.1
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(b) Calculate the rate of photosynthesis for the concentration of sodium
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hydrogencarbonate solution of 0.07 mol per dm .
Write your answer in Table 4.1. [1]
(c) (i) Explain why the lamp must be kept at a fixed distance from the syringe.[2]
(ii) Explain what caused the meniscus to move down the capillary tubing. [2]
(d) Fig. 4.2 is a partially completed graph of the student’s results.
Complete the graph by labeling the axes, adding the missing point and drawing a
Suitable line.
Fig. 4.2
(e) Explain, using the term limiting factors, the effect of carbon dioxide concentration on
the rate of photosynthesis as shown by the student’s results.
question. [5]
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EFFECT OF CARBON DIOXIDE ON THE RATE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS.
Carbon dioxide can be varied by using different concentration of sodium hydrogen
carbonate ( NaHCO3 ).
The normal percentage of CO2 in the atmosphere is 0.03%.
Increase in carbon dioxide level increases the rate of photosynthesis up to the carbon
dioxide saturation point where further increase in carbon dioxide has no effect.
CO 2 is no longer the
limiting factor
CO 2
saturation
point.
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SAMPLE QUESTION.
N15 P31 Q2 A student carried out an investigation to find the effect of carbon dioxide
concentration on the rate of photosynthesis of an aquatic plant.
The apparatus that the student used is shown in Fig. 2.1. The student was advised to use a
light meter positioned at the same distance from the lamp as the pond plant. The student
counted the number of bubbles produced by the cut end of the stem.
Fig. 2.1
(a) Explain why the student included the following in the apparatus.
(i) The beaker of water and the thermometer. [2]
(ii) The light meter and the ruler. [2]
(b) The results obtained by the student are shown in Fig. 2.2.
Fig 2.2
(i) Describe the student’s results.You will gain credit if you use data from Fig. 2.2 in your
answer. [3]
(ii)State the factor that is limiting the rate of photosynthesis in region X of the graph.[1]
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SAMPLE QUESTION.
N09 P32 Q3 A student set up the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.1 to investigate the effect of
carbon dioxide concentration on the rate of photosynthesis of a pond plant.
The student used five similar pieces of pond plant and five different concentrations of
sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) solution, which provides the carbon dioxide.
The student counted the number of bubbles produced by the pond plant over a period of
five minutes.
Fig. 3.1
(a) Explain how the student made sure that the results were due only to the change in
carbon dioxide concentration. [4]
The student repeated the investigation at each concentration and calculated the rate of
photosynthesis.
The student’s results are shown in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1
(b) (i) Calculate the mean rate of photosynthesis when the carbon dioxide concentration
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was 0.2% and write your answer in the table. [1]
(ii) Plot the results from Table 3.1 on the axes below. Draw an appropriate line on the
graph to show the relationship between carbon dioxide concentration and the rate
of photosynthesis. [2]
(c) Explain the effect of increasing carbon dioxide concentration on the rate of
photosynthesis up to 0.4% as shown in your graph. [2]
(d) Suggest the result that the student would get if a carbon dioxide concentration of
0.6%
was used and explain your answer. [3]
(e) The student used tap water as the 0% carbon dioxide concentration.
Explain why the student recorded some bubbles being produced. [1]
[Total: 13]
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EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE RATE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS.
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SAMPLE QUESTION.
F/M 17 P32 Q6(b) In an investigation, some students placed a plant in bright light.
They measured the rate of photosynthesis at different temperatures.
The results are shown in Fig. 6.1.
Fig. 6.1
(i) Describe the results shown in Fig. 6.1. [2]
(ii) Suggest an explanation for these results. [2]
(iii) Predict the effects on the rate of photosynthesis if the investigation is carried out at
60 °C.Explain your reason. [2]
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THE USE OF THE PHOTOSYNTHETIC PRODUCTS.
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LIMITING FACTORS
Limiting factor- is something present in the environment in such short supply that
When a process is affected by more than one factor, the factor that prevents any further
increase in the rate of the process is a limiting factor.
Three limiting factors.
1. Light intensity.
Light intensity determines the energy available to photosynthesis.
If light intensity is low, even if temperature is warm, carbon dioxide concentration is
high, photosynthesis will occur slowly because there is shortage of energy for
photosynthesis.
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2.Carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide is the raw material for photosynthesis, so if the concentration increases
there is more of it available for chloroplast enzymes to make carbohydrates.
3.Temperature.
Increasing temperature increases the rate of reaction up to the optimum temperature.
Increasing temperature increases the kinetic energy of the substrates and enzymes in the
chloroplast and they collide more often.
Rate of reaction decreases at temperature above the optimum temperature because the
enzymes in the chloroplasts are denatured.
GRAPH SHOWING ALL THE LIMITING FACTORS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS.
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4
Region
X
At region X light intensity is the limiting factor but after that ,light is no longer the
limiting factor, other factors like carbon dioxide and temperature a limiting the process.
Starting with graph 1, when temperature was increased to 300C graph2, there was no
significant increase in the rate of photosynthesis this show that temperature was not the
limiting factor but carbon dioxide.
When carbon dioxide concentration was increased to 0,13% in graph 3, there was
significant increase in the rate of photosynthesis and carbon dioxide is no longer a
limiting factor in graph 3 but temperature..
When temperature was increased to 300C, there was significant increase in the rate.
SAMPLE QUESTION.
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(i) writing the types of cells in the order that sunlight passes through them,
(ii) stating the proportion of chloroplasts in each of the types of cells. Use the terms
none, some and many. [3]
Stomatal pores are surrounded by pairs of guard cells. When the stomata are closed the
rate of photosynthesis is affected, due to a limiting factor.
(b) (i) Write a balanced equation, using chemical symbols, for the process of
photosynthesis. [2]
(ii) Define the term limiting factor. [2]
(iii) State the factor that limits photosynthesis when the stomata are closed. [1]
(c) Vascular bundles, containing xylem and phloem tissue, are situated in the leaf.
(i) Describe the structure of xylem tissue. [3]
(ii) State the functions of xylem and phloem. [4]
(d) Some plants close their stomata during the hottest part of the day, despite the effect
on photosynthesis. Suggest what benefit this might be to the plants. [1]
GLASSHOUSE PRODUCTION
Growers try to improve the yield of their crops by giving them the best possible
conditions for photosynthesis to take place.
Conditions in glasshouse allow plants to be grown earlier in the year and grown where
they would not normally grow well.
How conditions are controlled in the glasshouse.
1.Temperature.
Glass prevents escape of heat energy.
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Electric heaters are used in cold weather.
Ventilator flaps are opened to cool the glasshouse on hot days.
Butane or natural gas can be burnt to provide heat.
2. Light.
The glass lets in sunlight.
Artificial lighting can be used when light intensity is low.
3. Carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide can be pumped into the glass to increase the carbon dioxide
concentration.
Butane or natural gas can be burnt to provide carbon dioxide.
NB:All factors in the glasshouse are monitored and controlled by computers so few staff
is needed. Sensors for carbon dioxide concentration, humidity, light intensity and
temperature detect changes in these limiting factors. Computers process data from the
sensors and control all heating, ventilation, lighting and shading in the glasshouse.
SAMPLE QUESTION.
J14 P33 Q6 (c) The rate of photosynthesis varies as a result of changes in environmental
factors.
State one environmental factor and explain how it can affect the rate of photosynthesis
[3]
(d) Environmental factors can be controlled in glasshouses.
Describe how three environmental factors are controlled in a glasshouse to improve crop
yield. [3]
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Adaptations of the leaf for Photosynthesis.
It is broad and flat to provide a large surface area to trap maximum amount of light and
carbon dioxide.
The leaf is very thin to reduce the diffusion distance of carbon dioxide and allow light to
penetrate to all cells.
The main photosynthetic cells are near the upper surface of the leaf and have greatest
concentration of chloroplasts in its cells for maximum absorption of sunlight.
The leaves are positioned at an angle so that they all receive maximum amount of light
without shadowing each other.
Numerous stomata on the lower surface to allow gas exchange.
Has well developed vascular system to carry water and mineral ions to the leaf and carry
photosynthesized sugars away from the leaf.
A branching network of veins provides a good water supply to the photosynthetic cells.
No cell is very far from water – conducting vessel in one these veins.
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The Internal Leaf Structure.
Activity: Label the following; cuticle, upper epidermis, palisade layer, spongy mesophyll,
vascular bundle( xylem and phloem) , air space, guard cell and stomata.
1.Upper Epidermis.
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Cells do not have chloroplasts.
Stomata present in fewer numbers than in the lower epidermis.
Function.
Cuticle reduces evaporation of water from the epidermal cells and protects against
mechanical damage.
It is transparent to allow passage of light to the palisade.
Close fitting cells; prevent entry of bacteria and fungi.
2.Palisade mesophyll.
Made up of densely packed cylindrical –shaped cells arranged at right angle to the upper
epidermis of the leaf in one or two layers to allow maximum penetration of light into the
cells.
Palisade cells have thin cell walls.
Also contain many chloroplasts.
Thin cell wall allows rapid diffusion of water and carbon dioxide in the chloroplast.
The cells have large vacuoles to push the chloroplasts to the walls for maximum
absorption of light.
Function .
3. Spongy mesophyll.
Function.
Allow diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen in and out of leaf.
Photosynthesis occurs in the cells.
Their turgidity contributes to support.
4. Vascular tissue.
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Xylem vessels transport water and mineral ions from the roots to the photosynthesizing
cells.
Phloem transports the products of photosynthesis from the leaves to all parts of plant.
5. Lower epidermis.
One cell thick layer, covered by a waxy cuticle, many stomata present.
Stomata allow gaseous exchange between the air spaces and the surrounding atmosphere.
Stomata consist of a pair of curved guard cells surrounding the stomata pore.
Guard cells control the opening of stomata.
SAMPLE QUESTION.
Fig. 1.1
(ii) Describe two ways in which tissue A is adapted for maximum photosynthesis.[2]
(i) Describe where and how carbon dioxide enters a leaf. [3]
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SAMPLE QUESTION.
Fig. 6.1
(a) H. orientalis is a dicotyledonous plant.
State three features visible in Fig. 6.1 that show it is a dicotyledonous plant. [3]
Fig. 6.2 is a photograph of a section through a leaf of H. orientalis.
Complete the table, using ticks (_), to show the cells that carry out photosynthesis.[2]
(c) Explain how two features of leaves, visible in sections such as that shown in Fig. 6.2,
are adaptations for efficient photosynthesis. [4]
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GASEOUS EXCHANGE IN PLANTS.
Compensation point- is point when there is no net intake and output of carbon dioxide or
oxygen. The rates of photosynthesis and respiration are equal.
The sugar produced during photosynthesis compensate for the sugar used during
respiration.
A student carried out an experiment to investigate the effect of light and darkness on
gas exchange in plants.
Hyrogen carbonate indicator which is pink/red in colour was used.
It changes colour depending on the pH.
When carbon dioxide is added of increases, pH decreases , the indicator changes
colour from pink /red to yellow.
When carbon dioxide decreases it changes colour from pink/red to purple.
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Procedure.
1.The student labeled 3 test tubes 1, 2 and 3and added equal volumes Hydrogen
carbonate indicator.
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Purple Pink/red
Yellow.
Hydrogen carbonate in test tube 1 turned purple because pond weeds used up more
carbon dioxide in photosynthesis than they produce during respiration
In Test tube 2, hydrogen carbon turned yellow because photosynthesis stopped but
respiration continued, carbon dioxide was produced and pH decreased.
Test tube 3 is the control showing that it is the presence of a plant that causes a change in
colour of the solutions.
MINERAL REQUIREMENTS.
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Plants require a source of nitrate ions for making amino acids.
Magnesium ions are needed for the synthesis of chlorophyll.
Plant nutrient can be improved by adding chemical fertilisers.
NPK fertilisers contain nitrogen in the form of nitrates, Phosphorous in the form of
phosphates, and potassium in the form of potassium ions.
SAMPLE QUESTION.
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