Life Processes in Plants | Class 7 Science Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
Life Processes in Plants – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Life Processes in Plants from Class 7 Science, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
10.2.3 Photosynthesis: in a nutshell
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants synthesize food using sunlight, chlorophyll, water, and carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants produce glucose, a simple carbohydrate that serves as an immediate energy source and is later converted into starch for storage. Oxygen is released as a by-product. The process primarily occurs in the leaves, which contain chlorophyll to capture sunlight. The chemical equation representing photosynthesis is: Carbon dioxide + Water —(Sunlight, Chlorophyll)→ Glucose + Oxygen. This process is fundamental for life on Earth as it provides food and oxygen necessary for other living organisms. The section also highlights the contributions of Indian plant scientist Rustom Hormusji Dastur, who studied factors affecting photosynthesis such as water, temperature, and light color. Photosynthesis is vital for plant growth and maintaining ecological balance.
📊 Diagram: Figure 10.5 shows a diagram illustrating photosynthesis where sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water enter the leaf, and glucose and oxygen are produced.
🔗 Connection: Leads to the section on 'How do leaves exchange gases during photosynthesis?' explaining gas exchange through stomata.
Frequently asked questions
Complete the following table | S.No. | Feature | Photosynthesis | Respiration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1. | Raw materials | | | | 2. | Products | | | | 3. | Word equation | | | | 4. | Importance | | |
1. Raw materials:
- Photosynthesis: Carbon dioxide, water, sunlight
- Respiration: Glucose, oxygen
2. Products:
- Photosynthesis: Glucose, oxygen
- Respiration: Carbon dioxide, water, energy
3. Word equation:
- Photosynthesis: Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Glucose + Oxygen
- Respiration: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy
4. Importance:
- Photosynthesis: Produces food and oxygen necessary for life
- Respiration: Releases energy required for various life processes
Imagine a situation where all the organisms that carry out photosynthesis on the earth have disappeared. What would be the impact of this on living organisms?
If all photosynthetic organisms disappeared, oxygen levels would decrease as photosynthesis produces oxygen. Food chains would collapse because plants are primary producers. Animals and other organisms dependent on plants for food and oxygen would eventually die, leading to a breakdown of ecosystems.
A potato slice shows the presence of starch with iodine solution. Where does the starch in potatoes come from? Where is the food synthesised in the plant, and how does it reach the potato?
The starch in potatoes comes from the glucose produced during photosynthesis in the leaves. The food is synthesised in the leaves (the food factories) of the plant. The glucose is transported through the phloem to the potato (a storage organ) where it is converted into starch and stored.
Does the broad and flat structure of leaves make plants more efficient for photosynthesis? Justify your answer.
Yes, the broad and flat structure of leaves increases the surface area exposed to sunlight, allowing more light to be absorbed for photosynthesis. It also facilitates efficient gas exchange through stomata, making photosynthesis more efficient.
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