Where do plants get each of the raw materials required for photosynthesis?
Plants obtain different raw materials for photosynthesis from different sources. Carbon dioxide is taken in from the outside in the form of simple compounds. Water used in photosynthesis is taken up from the soil by the roots in terrestrial plants.
Plants also need other raw materials for building their body. Nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and magnesium are taken up from the soil. The soil is the nearest and richest source of these raw materials, and absorption occurs through roots which are in contact with the soil.
Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis and is absorbed by chlorophyll present in the chloroplasts of leaf cells.
Explanation
The textbook context clearly identifies the sources of raw materials: CO₂ from outside/atmosphere, water from soil via roots, and minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and magnesium from soil through roots. Sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll in leaves. The answer follows the 2-mark format with key terms bolded and proper paragraph breaks.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify raw materials for photosynthesis from context - CO₂, water, sunlight, chlorophyll, and minerals
Step 2: Match each raw material to its source based on textbook information
Step 3: Organize answer in paragraphs covering different categories of raw materials