NCERT Grade 7 Science, Chapter 1, Nutrition in Plants deals with basic fundamentals of different modes of nutrition in plants. The first section covers in detail the two modes of nutrition - autotrophic mode of nutrition and heterotrophic mode of nutrition. Definition of the term nutrition is also stated. In the second section of the chapter, Nutrition in Plants, the entire procedure of photosynthesis is explained in detail. Under this, the function of each part of the plant to carry out photosynthesis is mentioned. Apart from text, the section is enriched with a diagram depicting the process. In addition to the production of carbohydrates, synthesis of nitrogen is also covered in the chapter, Nutrition in Plants. The third section of the chapter talks about other modes of nutrition in plants. Here, the focus is given on heterotrophic mode of nutrition in plants in which chlorophyll is absent. The relationship between host and parasite is established along with examples. Further, a note on insectivorous plants is also provided. Saprophytic nutrition is described in the fourth section of the chapter, Nutrition in Plants. At last, the association of Rhizobium and leguminous plants to replenish nitrogen in the soil is thoroughly explained in the chapter Nutrition in plants.

The chapter, Nutrition in Plants covers the following topics: Mode of Nutrition in Plants, Photosynthesis - Food Making Process in Plants, Other Modes of Nutrition in Plants, Saprotrophs and How Nutrients Are Replenished in the Soil?

Page No 9:

Question 1:

Why do organisms take food?

Answer:

All living organisms require food to survive. It gives them energy to perform various activities. All activities such as playing, running, walking, studying, etc. require energy. The various components present in our food such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals provide energy to our body. These are also important for growth and development of the body.

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Question 2:

Distinguish between a parasite and a saprotroph.

Answer:

Parasite

Saprotroph

The organism that grows on the body of another organism and derives nutrients from it is known as a parasite.

The organism that obtains nutrients from the dead or decaying organic matter is called saprotroph.

Examples of parasites are Cuscuta and orchids.

Examples of saprotrophs are fungi and some bacteria.

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Question 3:

How would you test the presence of starch in leaves?

Answer:

Experiment to test the presence of starch in leaves:

Take two healthy green potted plants of the same type. Keep one potted plant in a dark room for one or two days in order to remove all the starch from the leaves. Keep the other plant in sunlight. Now, take one leaf from each potted plant and put a few drops of iodine solution on them. Then note down the observation.

Plants kept in light and dark conditions

No blue black colour will be observed on the leaves of the plant kept in the dark room. This indicates the absence of starch. Blue black colour will be observed on the leaves of the plant kept in sunlight. This indicates the presence of starch.

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Question 4:

Give a brief description of the process of synthesis of food in green plants.

Answer:

Photosynthesis is defined as the process in which the chlorophyll-containing plant cells synthesise food in the form of carbohydrates, using carbon dioxide and water in the presence of solar energy.

Photosynthesis

Sources of raw materials required for photosynthesis:

(a) Water is taken in from the roots of the plant and is transported to the leaves.

(b) Carbon dioxide from the air enters the leaves through the tiny pores called stomata and diffuses to the cells containing chlorophyll.

(c) Solar energy is used to break water into hydrogen and oxygen. This hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide to form food for the plants, which is ultimately used by the animals as well.

Thus, photosynthesis can be represented by the following equation.

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Question 5:

Show with the help of a sketch that the plants are the ultimate source of food.

Answer:

Photosynthesis

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Question 6:

Fill in the blanks:

(a) Green plants are called __________ since they synthesise their own food.

(b) The food synthesised by plants is stored as __________.

(c) In photosynthesis solar energy is absorbed by the pigment called ___________.

(d) During photosynthesis plants take in ___________and release ___________ gas.

Answer:

(a) Green plants are called __autotrophs__ since they synthesise their own food.

(b) The food synthesised by the plants is stored as __starch__.

(c) In photosynthesis solar energy is absorbed by the pigment called chlorophyll__.

(d) During photosynthesis plants take in __carbon dioxide__ and release __oxygen__ gas.

Page No 9:

Question 7:

Name the following:

(i) A parasitic plant with yellow, slender and branched stem.

(ii) A plant that is  partially autotrophic.

(iii) The pores through which leaves exchange gases.

Answer:

(i) Cuscuta

(ii) Pitcher plant

(iii) Stomata

Page No 9:

Question 8:

Tick the correct answer:

(a) Cuscuta is an example of:

(i) autotroph

(ii) parasite

(iii) saprotroph

(iv) host

(b) The plant which traps and feeds on insects is:

(i) Cuscuta

(ii) china rose

(iii) pitcher plant

(iv) rose

Answer:

(a) Cuscuta is an example of

(i) autotroph

(ii) parasite & mnTick;

(iii) saprotroph

(iv) host

(b)The plant which traps and feeds on insects is

(i) Cuscuta

(ii) china rose

(iii) pitcher plant & mnTick;

(iv) rose

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Question 9:

Match the items given in Column I with those in Column II:

Column I
Column II
Chlorophyll
Rhizobium
Nitrogen
Heterotrophs
Cuscuta
Pitcher plant
Animals
Leaf
Insects
Parasite

Answer:

Column I
Column II
Chlorophyll
Leaf
Nitrogen
Rhizobium
Cuscuta
Parasite
Animals
Heterotrophs
Insects
Pitcher plant

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Question 10:

Mark ‘T’ if the statement is true and ‘F’ if it is false:

(i) Carbon dioxide is released during photosynthesis. (T/F)

(ii) Plants which synthesise their food are called saprotrophs. (T/F)

(iii) The product of photosynthesis is not a protein. (T/F)

(iv) Solar energy is converted into chemical energy during photosynthesis. (T/F)

Answer:

(i) Carbon dioxide is released during photosynthesis. (F)

(ii) Plants which synthesise their food are called saprotrophs. (F)

(iii) The product of photosynthesis is not a protein. (T)

(iv) Solar energy is converted into chemical energy during photosynthesis. (T)



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Question 11:

Choose the correct option from the following:

Which part of the plant takes in carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis?

(i) Root hair

(ii) Stomata

(iii) Leaf veins

(iv) Petals

Answer:

(ii) Stomata

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Question 12:

Choose the correct option from the following:

Plants take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere mainly through their:

(i) roots

(ii) stem

(iii) flowers

(iv) leaves

Answer:

(iv) leaves

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Question 13:

Why do farmers grow many fruits and vegetable crops inside large green houses? What are the advantages to the farmers?

Answer:

Green houses allow farmers to regulate the climate and other conditions for the proper growth of crops. Growing fruits and vegetables in large green houses provide following advantages to the farmers:

1.It allows them to provide optimum temperature to plants.
2.It helps in the protection of plants from rodents.



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