Minerals and transport in flowering plants Flashcards
Why are plants important in food chains and nutrient cycles?
They can take up minerals from the soil and energy from the sun and turn it into food
Why do plants need certain elements?
So they can produce important compounds
Where do plants get these elements?
From the mineral ions in the soil
What happens if there aren’t enough of these mineral ions in the soil?
Plants suffer deficiency symptoms
What are the three MAIN mineral ions that plants need for growth?
- Nitrates
- Phosphates
- Potassium
Why do plants need nitrates?
They contain nitrogen for making amino acids and proteins that are needed for cell growth
What happens if there is a deficiency of nitrates?
The plant will become stunted and have yellow leaves
Why do plants need phosphates?
Contain phosphorus for making DNA and cell membranes and they are needed for respiration and growth
What happens if there is a deficiency of phosphates?
Plants have poor root growth and leaves turn an older purple
Why do plants need potassium?
Helps the enzyme needed for photosynthesis and respiration
What happens if there is a deficiency of potassium?
Plants have poor flower and fruit growth and leaves become discoloured
Why is magnesium needed in small amounts?
Needed for making chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis. Plants without enough oxygen have yellow leaves
