Science Notes

Class 7th

Unit No.1 Plant Systems

(Solved Exercise)

1.2 Give short answers.

1. What is primary root?

The initial root which grows from radical of the embryo is the primary root.

2. What is secondary root?

The branch of root which grows from primary root is called secondary root.

3. State the function of root cap.

It protects the newly born soft cells from being damaged and environmental stresses.

4. Write word equation for photosynthesis.

Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight energy → Food (Glucose) + Oxygen

5. Write word equation for respiration.

Food (Glucose) + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Chemical energy

1.3 Differentiate between:

Root system Shoot system

Roots are the underground parts of the The areal parts of the plants such as
plants forming a system specialized for stem, its branches, leaves, flowers and
absorption of water and nutrients from the fruit, etc., specialized for different
soil is called Root System. functions make the shoot system

2. Xylem and phloem

Xylem Phloem

Xylem conducts water from roots to leaves Phloem transports food from leaves to roots
through stem. and other parts of the plants

3. Diffusion and osmosis

Diffusion Osmosis

Movement of material particles from the area The diffusion through membranes (like cell
where they are more to the area where they membranes) is called osmosis.
are less is called diffusion.
4. Epidermis and endodermis

Epidermis Endodermis

(i) Epidermis is an outermost layer of thin (i)The innermost layer of cortex which
walled cells. consists of barrel shaped cells is called
endodermis.
(ii) It provides protection.
(ii)It regulates the movement of water and
hormones, etc., into and out of the vascular
system

5. Transpiration and evaporation

Transpiration Evaporation

The loss of water from aerial parts of the Evaporation is the process in which a liquid,
plants is called transpiration. such as water, transforms into a gas or
vapor due to heat energy, without reaching
its boiling point.

6. Capillary action and transpiration pull

Capillary action Transpiration pull

Very narrow glass tubes are called capillary Transpiration pull is the movement of water
tubes. Water moves up in the capillary tubes in plants from roots to leaves, driven by the
due to interaction between water molecules evaporation of water from the leaf surface,
and surface of the tubes. This effect is called creating a negative pressure gradient that
capillary action pulls water up through the plant’s vascular
 system

1.4 Answer the following questions:

1. Describe the following in plants:

(i) Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is defined as the process during which carbon dioxide and water combine in

the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll to form glucose (food) and oxygen.

Word Equation:

Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight energy → Food (Glucose) + Oxygen

Photosynthesis takes place in mesophyll cells of the leaves. These cells contain

chloroplasts where chlorophyll absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis. For this leave are called

the food factory of the plants.

(ii) Respiration

Respiration is defined as the process during which glucose (food) reacts with oxygen to

produce carbon dioxide, water and en

energy required for survival of life.

Word Equation:

Food (Glucose) + Oxygen Carbon → dioxide + Water + Chemical energy

Respiration takes place in all the cells of living bodies. The mitochondria which are found in
the cells perform the process of respiration. For this reason, mitochondria are called power

house of the cell.

(iii) Transpiration

Plants continuously absorb water from soil through roots. The same is being conducted to

leaves where it is used in photosynthesis. The excessive water is removed through stomata

and from the aerial parts of the plants. The loss of water from aerial parts of the plants is

called transpiration.

2. Draw and label the internal structures of the following:

(i) Root

Internal structure of root

(ii) Stem
 Internal structure of stem

(iii) Leaf

Internal structure of leaf

3. Compare and contrast the process of photosynthesis and respiration.

Comparison and Contrast between Photosynthesis and Respiration

1. Photosynthesis takes place in green plants, algae and some bacteria, whereas,

respiration takes place in all the living things.

2. Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, whereas, respiration takes place in

mitochondria.

3. Photosynthesis uses sunlight energy to prepare food, whereas, respiration releases

energy from food which is used for growth and performing all other body functions.

4. The products made during photosynthesis, i.e., glucose and oxygen are the reactants of
respiration.

5. The products of respiration, i.e., carbon dioxide and water are the reactants of

photosynthesis.

4. Describe the factors affecting the rate of transpiration.

Factors Affecting the Rate of Transpiration

Wind, temperature, light and humidity are the main factors that affect the rate of

transpiration.

Wind

The still air surrounding the plant leaves becomes humid and resists the diffusion of water

from leaves into the air. It decreases the rate of transpiration. Wind sweeps the humidity

away from leaves surroundings and increases the rate of transpiration.

Temperature

Rise in temperature provides more energy to the water molecules for evaporation from the

leaves surfaces, hence, increases the rate of transpiration.

Light

In sunlight, the stomata remain open for removal of water through them. At night stomata

are closed. In this way light also affects the rate of transpiration.

Humidity

Humid air surrounding the plants contains more amount of water, thus, decreasing the rate

of diffusion of water molecules from plants leaves into air. It slows down the transpiration.

The rate of transpiration is rapid in dry air.

5. Describe the importance of vascular bundles in plants.

and water in plants. Xylem conducts water and minerals absorbed from roots to leaves

through stem. Phloem transports food from leaves to roots and other parts of the plants.

1.5 Constructed Response Questions

1. Photosynthesis does not take place in animals but it is beneficial for animals also.

How?

Photosynthesis produces oxygen, which animals need for respiration. It also provides food

sources for herbivores and creates habitats for animals.

2. Plants produce food and oxygen during photosynthesis, which does not take place

at night. Where do plants get oxygen from for respiration at night?

Plants get some oxygen from the air for respiration at night, but the majority of the oxygen

used for respiration during the night comes from the breakdown of stored food which

produced by photosynthesis at day time.

3. Why should not we sleep under tree at night?

At night time tree release carbon dioxide during respiration process. Due to excess amount

of carbon dioxide, sleeping under trees at night can be unsafe.

4. How the structure of leaf is adapted to the process of photosynthesis?

1. The blades of leaves are flat and absorb maximum light required for photosynthesis.

2. Thin blades of leaves make the light and carbon dioxide reach the internal parts easily.

3. Thick layer of palisade mesophyll containing large number of chloroplasts just beneath

the upper epidermis can make maximum absorption of light to make food for the plant.

4. Maximum air spaces among spongy mesophyll near the lower epidermis provide an easy
passage for carbon dioxide to diffuse into cells containing chloroplasts to facilitate

photosynthesis.

5. Numerous stomata in the lower epidermis absorb maximum carbon dioxide from the air

needed for photosynthesis.

6. Division of vascular bundles into small branches spread throughout the leaf makes an

easy and maximum water supply needed for photosynthesis.

5. Why is transpiration important for plants?

Transpiration pulls the water through air spaces in spongy mesophyll and keeps the

mesophyll moist, which is essential for the exchange of gases. Effects of evaporation of

water from leaves or stems are:

• cools the surface of the leaves and the surroundings as well,

• allows the movement of minerals from the soil to different parts of the plant,

• helps in growth and development.

• controls the temperature of the plants.

6. Describe the role of magnesium and nitrogen in plants nutrition.

Magnesium

Magnesium is required by plants for the formation of chlorophyll. It is helpful for the

functioning of enzymes to produce carbohydrates and fats. Its deficiency causes poor

growth, yellowing and wilting of leaves.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen in the form of its compounds, (nitrates) dissolved in soil water, is required by plants

for making chlorophyll and amino acids. Amino acids form proteins. Chlorophyll is

necessary for photosynthesis. Proteins are necessary for growth, repair and other
developments and defensive functions. Deficiency in nitrogen makes the leaves pale green

or yellow. It affects the rate of photosynthesis and growth in plants.

7. Explore the natural raise of water based on the principle of transpiration.

Transpiration, the process by which plants release water vapor through their leaves, creates

a suction force. This force pulls water from the roots up through the plant’s vascular system.

As water molecules evaporate from the leaves, more water is drawn up from the roots to

replace it, resulting in the natural rise of water within the plant.

1.6 Investigate:

(i) Function of the following in plants:

(a) Root hairs

Root hairs provide the surface area for absorption of water.

(b) Stomata

Stomata allow exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. They also diffuse out water vapour.

(c) Spongy mesophyll

Spongy mesophyll having air space among them which provide a large surface area for the

diffusion of gases to facilitate photosynthesis process.

(ii) Internal structure and functions of the following in plants:

(a) root (b) stem (c) leaf

(a) Root:

 Internal structure: Roots consist of various layers, including the epidermis, cortex,

endodermis, pericycle, and vascular tissue (xylem and phloem).

nutrients, and provide support.

(b) Stem:

 Internal structure: Stems contain vascular bundles surrounded by ground tissue,

with an outer layer of epidermis.

 Functions: Stems provide structural support, transport water, nutrients, and food

between roots and leaves.

(c) Leaf:

 Internal structure: Leaves are composed of upper and lower epidermis, mesophyll

(palisade and spongy layers), vascular bundles, and stomata.

 Functions: Leaves are the primary sites of photosynthesis, where they absorb light

energy, exchange gases (carbon dioxide and oxygen), regulate water loss through

transpiration and prepared food with oxygen.