🌱 The Wonderful World of Science

Class 7 – Chapter 1: Nutrition in Plants

Explore how plants prepare food, different modes of nutrition, and their vital role in sustaining life on Earth.

🌾 What is Nutrition?

Nutrition is the process of taking in food and using it for growth, energy, and repair. Green plants are autotrophs — they make their own food. Animals and some plants depend on others — they are heterotrophs.

🌞 Photosynthesis: The Food Factory of Plants

Plants make food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. This process is called photosynthesis. It takes place in the leaves with the help of chlorophyll.

Photosynthesis Equation:
Carbon dioxide + Water   →   Carbohydrate + Oxygen (in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll)

🍄 Other Modes of Nutrition in Plants

• 🌿 Parasites (e.g., Cuscuta): Live on host plants.
• 🍕 Saprotrophs (e.g., Fungi): Feed on dead matter.
• 🦟 Insectivorous (e.g., Pitcher Plant): Trap insects for nutrients.
• 🔁 Symbiosis (e.g., Lichens): Mutual benefit from other organisms.

📘 Download Chapter 

📥 Download PDF

📊 Quick Quiz

• 1. Which part of the plant performs photosynthesis?
  🔘 a) Stem 🔘 b) Leaf ✅ 🔘 c) Flower 🔘 d) Root
• 2. Cuscuta is a:
  🔘 a) Saprotroph 🔘 b) Parasite ✅ 🔘 c) Autotroph 🔘 d) Symbiont
• 3. What is the role of chlorophyll?
  🔘 a) Absorb oxygen 🔘 b) Capture sunlight ✅ 🔘 c) Store water 🔘 d) Digest food

🧠 Fun Fact

Did you know that insect-eating plants like the Pitcher Plant still do photosynthesis but trap insects for extra nutrients from poor soil?

✍️ Activities

• 🌿 Observe leaves covered with black paper and test for starch after sunlight exposure.
• 🔬 Grow bread mold at home and observe under a magnifying glass.
• 🌱 Try growing a sweet potato in water and record its growth.

📚 Summary

• ✅ Green plants make food using photosynthesis.
• ✅ Other plants may be parasitic, saprotrophic, or insectivorous.
• ✅ Fungi and bacteria help in decomposing matter.
• ✅ Rhizobium bacteria in legumes help fix nitrogen naturally.

🚀 Keep Exploring!

Every leaf, root, and fungus has a story to tell. Stay curious and keep learning!