Fig. 1 shows a pitcher plant growing in nutrient-poor bog soil. Rainwater partly fills its deep leaf. Insects are attracted to nectar at the rim, slip on th...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a pitcher plant growing in nutrient-poor bog soil. Rainwater partly fills its deep leaf. Insects are attracted to nectar at the rim, slip on the smooth surface and fall into the liquid. Enzymes break down the insects. The plant still has green cells that make glucose using light and carbon dioxide.
(a) Identify the substance obtained from insects that is scarce in the bog soil. [1]
(b) Explain why the pitcher leaf is useful to this plant. [2]
(c) Explain why the plant cannot rely only on insects for its glucose supply. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Mineral ions / nitrates [1] (b) Insects are trapped [1]; enzymes digest them and release mineral ions for growth [1] (c) Glucose is made by photosynthesis in green cells [1]; photosynthesis needs light, carbon dioxide and water, not insect digestion [1]
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