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MODES OF NUTRITION Vascular, seedless plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to undergo photosynthesis. Photosynthesis involves the input of carbon, water, and light, resulting in glucose, water, and oxygen. 6 CO2 + 12 H2O + light --> C6H12O6 + 6 H2O + 6O2 Photosynthesis takes place inside of plant cell choroplasts, in structures called the thylakoids. Chloroplasts are organelles in plants and algae that contain chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight and converts it into chemical energy.
Vascular
plants have 3 types of chlorophyll: The thylakoid contain these chlorophylls and, not only photosynthesize, but also helps produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is a polymer used by all living organisms as the source of energy. Similar to the chloroplasts are the mitochondria. The mitochondria produce the ATP needed for energy, using the electron transport chain and the Kreb's Cycle, which synthesizes ATP through uses of enzymes (protein molecules that directly shape other molecules such as ATP). The electron transport chain uses the energy of electrons to push protons out of the mitochondrion membrane, which in turn, gives energy to join Adenosine Diphosphate with another Phosphate to produce ATP.
Overall,
these plants have the same mode of nutrition as most vascular
plants. They take up water and nutrients
from their roots, which goes up through the stem via the phloem and
xylem, respectively. Then, sunlight is taken in through the leaves and the
plant cells undergo the Calvin cycle to make glucose and other sugars.
Oxygen and water are released as waste products.
Production of glucose and other sugars are the basis for energy and nutrition of plants. They are stored in the form of starch in plant cells and are metabolized when needed.
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