Life Processes

• Autotrophic Nutrition
  • Synthesis of food by photosynthesis, Photosynthesis equation 

• •  Leaves are the sites for the synthesis of food.
  • The green pigment called chlorophyll is present in leaves.
  •  Chlorophyll traps solar energy, which is used to prepare food from CO₂ and water. Sun is the ultimate source of energy.
  •  Green plants absorb CO₂ from atmosphere through tiny pores called stomata.
  •  Stomata are present on the surface of leaves.
  •  Water and minerals are absorbed from soil and are transported to leaves via tiny vessel-like structures present in roots.
  • Chlorophyll, sunlight, CO₂, and water are essential raw materials for photosynthesis.
  • Carbohydrates such as starch and oxygen are the product of photosynthesis.
  •  All green plants including green algae show autotrophic nutrition. 
  •  Since the autotrophs manufacture their own food, they are called producers.
  • They form the first link in the food chain and all organisms on the earth obtain the energy directly or indirectly from them.

• Heterotrophic Nutrition
• •  Generally derive energy from plants and animal sources.
  • The heterotrophs that derive their energy directly from plants are called herbivores and those who derive their energy indirectly i.e. by eating herbivores are called carnivores.
  •  Omnivores- feed on both plants …