What are the Different Types of Nutrition in Plants?
February 27, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Plants are capable of different types of nutrition based on their mode of obtaining nutrients. The main types of nutrition in plants are autotrophic nutrition, heterotrophic nutrition and Saprophytic nutrition.
Autotrophic Nutrition
As mentioned earlier, autotrophic nutrition is the process by which plants make their own food using simple inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight. This process is known as photosynthesis, and it involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, which is stored in the form of complex organic compounds such as sugars, starches, and proteins.
Heterotrophic Nutrition
Although most plants are autotrophs, some plants are also capable of obtaining nutrients from other sources. For example, some parasitic plants obtain nutrients from other plants by attaching themselves to the host plant’s roots and tapping into their nutrient supply. Some insectivorous plants such as Venus flytraps and pitcher plants trap and digest insects to obtain nutrients.
Saprophytic Nutrition
Some plants are capable of obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter. These plants are known as saprophytes and play an important role in decomposing organic matter in the environment. For example, some fungi obtain nutrients by breaking down dead plant material and other organic matter in the soil.
In summary, plants are capable of different types of nutrition depending on their mode of obtaining nutrients. Autotrophic nutrition through photosynthesis is the most common type of nutrition in plants, but some plants are also capable of heterotrophic or saprophytic nutrition.