Here’s a detailed breakdown of Chapter 10: Plants and Food for the Pearson Edexcel
(9-1) IGCSE Biology curriculum.
Chapter 10: Plants and Food
1. Photosynthesis
Definition
• Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants synthesize glucose
from carbon dioxide and water using sunlight. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy,
which is converted into chemical energy.
Photosynthesis Equation
• Word Equation:
\text{Carbon Dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen}
• Symbol Equation:
6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}6\text{H}{12}\text{O}_6 +
6 \text{O}_2
Conditions for Photosynthesis
• Light: Essential for providing energy.
• Chlorophyll: Green pigment in chloroplasts absorbs light energy.
• Carbon Dioxide: Obtained from the air through stomata.
• Water: Absorbed by roots from the soil.
2. The Leaf Structure and Adaptations for Photosynthesis
Leaves are adapted to maximize the efficiency of photosynthesis:
• Large Surface Area: Increases light absorption.
• Thin Structure: Short diffusion distance for gases.
• Chloroplasts in the Palisade Layer: Densely packed cells rich in
chloroplasts are found near the upper surface of the leaf for maximum light
absorption.
• Stomata: Pores on the leaf surface (mainly on the underside) for gas
exchange.
• Veins (Vascular Bundles): Provide support and transport water,
minerals, and food. Xylem carries water; phloem transports glucose.
3. Chlorophyll and Light Absorption
• Chlorophyll: Green pigment found in chloroplasts; absorbs mainly blue
and red light and reflects green light, making plants appear green.
• Different types of chlorophyll and accessory pigments absorb different
wavelengths, maximizing the efficiency of light energy absorption.
4. Testing a Leaf for Starch
The presence of starch in a leaf indicates photosynthesis has occurred. Here’s how
to test for starch in a leaf:
Steps:
1. Boil the Leaf: Softens it and stops chemical reactions.
2. Alcohol Treatment: Place the leaf in ethanol and heat in a water bath
to remove chlorophyll, making the leaf colorless.
3. Rinse in Warm Water: Softens the leaf.
4. Iodine Test: Add iodine solution to the leaf. A blue-black color
indicates the presence of starch.
5. Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
Three main factors can limit the rate of photosynthesis:
1. Light Intensity
• More light increases the rate of photosynthesis, but only up to a
certain point (saturation point).
• At very high intensities, photosynthesis may plateau due to other
limiting factors.
2. Carbon Dioxide Concentration
• Higher CO₂ concentration increases the rate, as CO₂ is a raw material
for photosynthesis.
• Beyond a certain point, the rate plateaus when another factor becomes
limiting.
3. Temperature
• Increases the rate up to an optimum point (usually around 25-30°C).
• Too high a temperature (above 40°C) can denature enzymes involved in
photosynthesis, decreasing the rate.
6. Mineral Nutrition in Plants
Plants need specific minerals to support healthy growth and development. The main
minerals include:
1. Nitrates (NO₃⁻)
• Needed for: Amino acids (protein synthesis) and DNA
• Deficiency symptoms: Stunted growth, yellowing of leaves (especially
older leaves).
2. Phosphates (PO₄³⁻)
• Needed for: DNA and cell membranes
• Deficiency symptoms: Poor root growth and purple leaves.
3. Potassium (K⁺)
• Needed for: Enzyme activation in photosynthesis and respiration
• Deficiency symptoms: Leaves have yellow spots and edges.
4. Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
• Needed for: Chlorophyll production
• Deficiency symptoms: Yellowing between leaf veins.
7. Importance of Photosynthesis
• Primary Food Source: All food chains rely on photosynthesis, as it is
the method by which plants produce glucose (an essential energy source).
• Oxygen Production: Photosynthesis releases oxygen, which is essential
for aerobic respiration in most organisms.
• Carbon Dioxide Reduction: Photosynthesis helps to balance CO₂ levels in
the atmosphere, mitigating climate change.
8. Use of Glucose in Plants
• Respiration: Glucose provides energy for cellular processes.
• Stored as Starch: Excess glucose is converted into starch for storage,
as starch is insoluble and doesn’t affect osmosis in cells.
• Converted to Sucrose: Transported in the phloem to other parts of the
plant.
• Converted to Cellulose: Used for building cell walls.
• Synthesis of Amino Acids and Proteins: Glucose combines with nitrates
to form amino acids, which are then used to make proteins.
These notes cover the key concepts of photosynthesis, leaf structure, mineral
nutrition, and the use of glucose in plants. Let me know if you need more details
on any specific section or further clarification!
