TEACHGYAN • CLASS 7 SCIENCE • CURIOSITY
Chapter 10 — Life Processes in Plants
Photosynthesis • Transport • Stomata • Transpiration • Reproduction
🌟 Chapter at a Glance
Plants carry out life processes even though they do not move from place to place like animals. Leaves capture light energy for photosynthesis, roots absorb water and minerals, vascular tissues transport materials, and plants exchange gases through specialised structures.
🌿 1. Photosynthesis
Green plants use light energy to make food from carbon dioxide and water. Chlorophyll in green tissues helps capture light energy. Oxygen is released during the process.
Carbon dioxide + Water —(light, chlorophyll)→ Food + Oxygen
💧 2. Absorption and Transport
Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil. Xylem transports water and minerals upward through the plant. Phloem transports food produced in leaves to other parts.
🍃 3. Stomata and Gas Exchange
Stomata are tiny openings, mainly on leaves, that regulate gas exchange and water loss. Guard cells help control the opening and closing of stomata.
💨 4. Transpiration
Transpiration is the loss of water vapour from plant surfaces, mainly through stomata. It is linked with water movement through the plant and helps explain why plants lose water to the atmosphere.
🌱 5. Plant Reproduction
Plants reproduce in different ways. Flowering plants can reproduce sexually through flowers, while some plants also reproduce vegetatively. Different organisms have different reproductive strategies.
| Structure | Major role |
|---|---|
| Root | Anchorage and absorption |
| Leaf | Photosynthesis and gas exchange |
| Xylem | Water/mineral transport |
| Phloem | Food transport |
| Stomata | Gas exchange and water regulation |
🎯 Explore
Observe the underside of a leaf with a hand lens if available. Discuss why plants need tiny openings rather than leaving the entire surface open for gas exchange.
🧩 Interactive MCQs
- Photosynthesis mainly occurs in: A. Green leaves B. Roots only C. Flowers only D. Bark only
- Water and minerals are transported mainly by: A. Xylem B. Phloem C. Stomata D. Chlorophyll
- Food is transported through: A. Phloem B. Xylem C. Root hairs D. Guard cells
- Tiny openings that regulate gas exchange are: A. Stomata B. Veins C. Seeds D. Petals
Answers: A, B, C, D
📌 Case-Based Learning
A potted plant is kept in sunlight and watered regularly. A student wants to investigate whether leaves are essential for starch formation.
- Identify the scientific concept involved.
- What evidence or observation would you collect?
- Explain the result using the chapter concepts.
- Suggest one practical application.
🔥 HOTS / Competition Corner
- Design a safe investigation using a suitable leaf and iodine test under teacher guidance.
- Explain why roots and leaves depend on transport tissues.
- Why are stomata useful but also responsible for water loss?
📝 Five-Level Worksheet
| Level | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 • Recall | Define and identify key terms. |
| 2 • Understand | Explain concepts in your own words. |
| 3 • Apply | Solve a real-life situation using the concept. |
| 4 • Analyse | Interpret evidence, observations or data. |
| 5 • Create | Design an investigation, model or explanation. |
🏆 Mastery Checklist
- ☐ I can explain the major concepts without memorising sentences.
- ☐ I can connect the concept with everyday life.
- ☐ I can interpret observations and evidence.
- ☐ I can solve application and case-based questions.
- ☐ I can justify my answer scientifically.
🔁 One-Minute Revision
Revise the key definitions, processes, relationships and applications above, then attempt the chapter worksheet without looking at the notes.