3.10 Minerals for Healthy Growth Flashcards
What are mineral ions?
Mineral ions are naturally occuring charged particles that are often found in the soil.
Why do plants need mineral ions?
Plants need certain elements in order to make the compounds required for healthy growth, and they get these elements by absorbing mineral ions.
Describe the process in which plants make useful compounds using nitrates
Plants absorb nitrates (mineral ions) in order to get nitrogen (element), which they turn into amino acids (useful compound).
What if plants don’t get enough mineral ions?
If plants don’t get enough of a particular element then they may develop a mineral deficiency. This will lead to specific symptoms, depending on which element they are deficient in.
How do plants absorb mineral ions?
As mineral ions are dissolved in the soil, plants can absorb them via their roots. This requires active transport because there is a higher concentration of mineral ions in the root hair cells than there is in the surrounding soil.
The importance of magnesium ions in plants
- Magnesium is required to produce chlorophyll, which is the green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.
- If plant’s don’t get enough magnesium, they can’t make enough chlorophyll and so their leaves will turn yellow. The growth of the plant may also be stunted as they won’t be able to photosynthesise to produce sugars.
The importance of nitrates in plants
- Nitrates contain nitrogen which is required to make amino acids and hence proteins.
- Proteins are needed for cell growth, so if a plant doesn’t get enough nitrates it won’t grow properly. This leads to stunted growth and yellow leaves.
Which mineral ions are needed for chlorophyll in plants?
Magnesium ions
Why do plants need nitrate ions?
To produce amino acids
How do plants absorb mineral ions?
Active transport
Which cells in a plant absorb mineral ions?
Root hair cells
What is the main symptom of magnesium ion deficiency?
Yellow leaves
