Question

Explain the nutrition in pitcher plant with diagram.

Answer 1

Mode of nutrition in Pitcher plant: Plants which grow in nitrogen deficient soil derive their nitrogen from insects, e.g., pitcher plant etc.

Pitcher Plants : Leaf blade or lamina is modified into sac like structure known as pitcher. Leaf apex forms the lid of the pitcher which is lined by nectar secreting glands. Internal lining of the pitcher has digestive glands which secrete proteolytic enzymes to digest proteins of the trapped insects. To trap the insect pitcher has following modifications:

(i) Insects are attracted by coloured lid and nectar.

(ii) Neck of the pitcher bears bristles pointing inward and downward which pierces the body of the escaping insects and kills them.

(iii) Inner portion of pitcher is slippery and contain acidic fluid by which insects slips down and gets drowned in the fluid.

(iv) Once the insect is trapped and killed, it is digested and end products of digestion mainly amino acids are absorbed by the pitcher walls.