Zantedeschia aethiopica (Calla Lily)

Nutrition

Zantedeschia aethiopica is an autotroph which means that it is capable of producing its own food. This process is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis occurs when light is converted into chemical energy which is then stored as sugars. In order to accomplish this, there needs to be a combination of many components present.

This process is chiefly done in the leaves, where the chloroplasts are located. Chloroplasts are specifically in the thylakoid membranes and give a plant its green color. As stated earlier, when the light is absorbed and in turn converted into chemical energy it is stored as ATP. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a chemical used in our bodies as well. Once the light has done its part in creating chemical energy, the next part of the photosynthesis process involves the "dark reaction" which does not need light but follows the "light reaction" that previously occurred. In the dark reaction the products, ATP and NADPH are used in the Calvin cycle. The Calvin cycle is when carbon dioxide and the ATP that was previously made create sugar that the plant can then use.

The sugars made after photosynthesis are now ready to flow through the pholem and provide nutrients to sustain the Zantedeschia aethiopica.

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