Question

Plants are autotrophic. Can you think of some plants that are partially heterotrophic?

Answer 1

Plants have autotrophic mode of nutrition as they contain chlorophyll pigment. Thus, they have the ability to prepare their own food by the process of photosynthesis. However, some insectivorous plants are partially heterotrophic. They have various means of capturing insects so as to supplement their diet with required nutrients derived from insects, causing proliferation of growth. The examples include pitcher plant (Nepenthes), Venus fly trap, bladderwort, and sundew plant.

Answer 2

1. Certain partially heterotrophic plants, such as Drosera, Nepenthes, and Utricularia, are insectivorous.
2. Despite having a low nitrogen concentration, these plants are autotrophic.
3. They catch different insects in order to extract nitrogen from them. The remainder, or carbohydrates, are produced by the food on their own.