Life Processes in Plants – Easy & Attractive Summary (600–700 Words)
![]() |
| Life Processes in Plants (AI Generated) |
Plants are living organisms, and just like animals, they also carry out several life processes to survive. These include nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, transportation of materials, and excretion. Even though plants cannot move from one place to another, they perform all essential activities that keep them alive and healthy. This chapter explains how plants make their own food, transport water and nutrients, exchange gases, and remove waste from their bodies.
Nutrition in Plants
Unlike animals, plants are autotrophs, meaning they prepare their own food. This process is called photosynthesis. Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food and release oxygen.
Photosynthesis – The Food Factory of Plants
Photosynthesis mainly takes place in the leaves, which contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. This pigment absorbs sunlight and helps the plant convert raw materials into food.
Important requirements for photosynthesis are:
- Sunlight
- Water (absorbed by roots)
- Carbon dioxide (taken through stomata)
- Chlorophyll (present in leaves)
The food produced is in the form of glucose, which is later converted into starch and stored in different parts of the plant—roots, stems, fruits, and seeds. During this process, plants release oxygen, which is essential for human and animal life.
How Do Leaves Help?
Leaves have small openings called stomata. These tiny pores bring in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Plants regulate the opening and closing of stomata to prevent excess loss of water.
Transportation in Plants
Plants transport water, nutrients, and prepared food through a network of special tissues.
1. Xylem – Water Transport System
Water is absorbed by the roots from the soil. Root hairs increase the surface area for absorption. The absorbed water moves upward through xylem vessels, which act like long pipes. Xylem carries:
- Water
- Minerals
This movement from roots to leaves is called ascent of sap.
2. Phloem – Food Transport System
Prepared food (glucose/starch) is transported from leaves to different parts of the plant through phloem. This process is called translocation. It helps the plant supply nutrients to growing parts such as flowers, fruits, and new leaves.
Respiration in Plants
Just like animals, plants also respire. They take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide to produce energy from food.
How Do Plants Respire?
Plants respire through:
- Stomata in leaves
- Lenticels in stems
- Root hairs in roots
During daytime, plants perform both photosynthesis and respiration.
- Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
- Respiration uses oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
However, at night, photosynthesis stops, so plants only respire and release carbon dioxide.
Excretion in Plants
Plants also produce waste materials. But unlike animals, they do not have a special organ for excretion. They remove wastes in different ways:
- Oxygen from photosynthesis is released through stomata.
- Some wastes are stored in bark or leaves, which later fall off.
- In some plants, wastes are stored in fruits and seeds.
- Plants also release waste in the form of gums, resins, and latex.
Movement in Plants
Plants generally cannot move from place to place, but they show slow movements. These movements are of two types:
1. Tropic Movements (Response to Directional Stimulus)
- Phototropism – stem bending towards light
- Geotropism – roots growing towards gravity
- Hydrotropism – roots growing towards water
2. Nastic Movements (Non-directional Stimulus)
- Touch-sensitive plants like Mimosa pudica close their leaves when touched.
- Flowers like lotus open in sunlight and close at night.
Reproduction in Plants (Brief Overview)
Plants reproduce through:
- Seeds
- Vegetative propagation (stem, roots, leaves)
- Spores in non-flowering plants like ferns and mosses
Flowers are the reproductive organs of flowering plants. They contain:
- Stamens (male part)
- Pistil (female part)
Pollination, fertilization, and seed formation help plants new individuals.
Conclusion
Life processes in plants are essential for their survival and growth. Through photosynthesis, they prepare food for themselves and provide oxygen for the entire planet. Their transport system ensures nutrients reach every part of the plant. They respire, remove wastes, and show various movements in response to stimuli. Understanding these processes helps us appreciate how plants support not only themselves but also all life on Earth.
~~~The End~~~
Chapter 10 Life Processes in Plants
Download/Read free PDF here:
*****
Watch the Chapter Explanation here:
*****
Watch the NCERT Solution Discussion here:
*For any kind of correction/removal please provide valid detail with link in comment section or contact us*
🔴Beware of Cyber-crime and cyber-fraudulent🔴
For any kind of query related to topics please comment.

0 Comments