mineral uptake and transport

Question 1

What do plants require a variety of to function normally?

Answer 1

Plants require a variety of minerals to function normally.

Question 2

Give two examples of minerals needed by plants (and their functions) to function normally

Answer 2

These minerals include calcium (for the formation of cell walls) and magnesium (for the formation of chlorophyll).

Question 3

How are minerals absorbed by plants? (2)

Answer 3

Minerals are absorbed into roots through root hairs in two ways.

1. Some of the minerals are absorbed by diffusion. This method does not require energy and is also called passive transport.
2. Some of the minerals are absorbed by active transport. This method uses energy in the form of ATP.

Question 4

What happens once minerals are inside the roots?

Answer 4

Once inside the root, the minerals are transported to all parts of the plant dissolved in water in xylem.