Chapter 1 – Nutrition in plants

These NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 1 notes explain how plants obtain food and why nutrition is essential for their growth and survival. The chapter introduces the concept of autotrophic nutrition and explains how green plants prepare their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Nutrition in Plants also discusses photosynthesis, different modes of nutrition in plants, and the role of nutrients like nitrogen. This chapter helps students understand why plants are the base of the food chain and how they support all living organisms.

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1. Introduction: why plants need nutrition

•  All living organisms need food for energy, growth, and repair.
•  Plants are living beings, so they also need nutrition.
•  Unlike animals, green plants make their own food.
•  This ability makes plants the base of the food chain.
•  Plants act like food factories of nature.

2. Meaning of nutrition in plants

•  Nutrition is the process of taking food and using it properly.
•  Plants follow autotrophic nutrition.
•  Autotrophic nutrition means making food by themselves.
•  Autotrophic nutrition uses sunlight, air, and water.
•  Autotrophic nutrition shows no dependence on others.

3. Photosynthesis: how plants make food

•  Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants prepare food.
•  Sunlight is needed for photosynthesis.
•  Carbon dioxide comes from air during photosynthesis.
•  Water is absorbed from soil for photosynthesis.
•  Chlorophyll is the green pigment needed.
•  Glucose is the food made and stored as starch.
•  Oxygen is released into the air.
•  Leaves work like solar panels.

4. Steps of photosynthesis

•  Roots absorb water from soil.
•  Leaves take carbon dioxide from air.
•  Sunlight provides energy.
•  Chlorophyll traps sunlight.
•  Food is prepared and stored.

5. Other modes of nutrition in plants

•  Some plants cannot make their own food.
•  Parasitic plants depend on other plants for food.
•  Parasitic plants lack chlorophyll.
•  Cuscuta is a parasitic plant.
•  Saprotrophic plants feed on dead matter.
•  Saprotrophic plants digest food outside.
•  Mushroom is a saprotroph.
•  Insectivorous plants trap insects for nitrogen.
•  Insectivorous plants still do photosynthesis.
•  Pitcher plant is insectivorous.
•  Symbiotic relationship benefits both organisms.
•  Lichen has algae and fungus.
•  Algae make food in lichen.
•  Fungus gives shelter in lichen.

6. Nutrients in soil

•  Plants need minerals for growth.
•  Nitrogen is an important nutrient.
•  Phosphorus helps root growth.
•  Potassium improves plant health.
•  Continuous farming reduces fertility.

7. Role of nitrogen and Rhizobium

•  Nitrogen is essential for plant growth.
•  Plants cannot use nitrogen from air directly.
•  Rhizobium lives in roots of leguminous plants.
•  Rhizobium fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
•  Pea and gram have Rhizobium.
•  Bacteria act as natural fertilizers.

8. Importance of plants in daily life

•  Plants provide food to living beings.
•  Plants release oxygen.
•  Plants maintain natural balance.

9. Important keywords with simple definitions

•  Nutrition – taking food and using it for life processes.
•  Autotroph – an organism that makes its own food.
•  Photosynthesis – process of making food using sunlight.
•  Chlorophyll – green pigment that traps sunlight.
•  Parasite – organism that depends on another for food.
•  Saprotroph – organism that feeds on dead matter.
•  Symbiosis – living together for mutual benefit.
•  Rhizobium – bacteria that fix nitrogen in soil.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 1 – Nutrition in Plants is important to learn how plants make food and maintain life on Earth. The chapter clearly explains photosynthesis, nutrient requirements, and the importance of plants in nature.

The concepts covered in this chapter are very useful for school examinations and foundation-level science preparation. Students should next read Chapter 2: Nutrition in Animals to understand how animals depend on plants and other organisms for food.

FAQs

Q1. What is explained in NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 1?
The chapter explains nutrition in plants, photosynthesis, and different modes of plant nutrition.

Q2. What is autotrophic nutrition?
Autotrophic nutrition is the process by which plants make their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Q3. What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants prepare food and release oxygen.

Q4. Why are plants called producers?
Plants are called producers because they make their own food and support all living organisms.

Q5. Why is NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 1 important for exams?
It explains basic concepts of plant nutrition and photosynthesis, which are frequently asked in school exams and foundation-level tests.

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