Plant Mineral Deficiencies

Question 1

Independent variable

Answer 1

minerals present

Question 2

dependent varibles

Answer 2

physical characteristics of the plant

Question 3

Other variables

Answer 3

• volume of mineral solution
• species of plant
• size of container
• amount of light recieved

Question 4

Equipment

Answer 4

• Mexican hat plantlets
• 7 test tubes
• test tube holder
• different mineral solutions each lacking one nutrient and one containing all (control)
• aluminium foil

Question 5

Method.

Answer 5

1. fill half a tube with the solution containing all nutrients
2. cover the top of the tube with foil and gently push down so there is a well in the centre
3. gently push the plantlet through the hole so there is so its in the solution below
4. repeat with solutions lacking nutrients eg, nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium or calcium
5. wrap all tubes in aluminium foil and place in a tube holder on a sunny window sill. Observe regularly.

Question 6

Evaluation issues.

Answer 6

• ensuring accurate measurments of solution
• possible microorganism growth in nutrient solution
• insufficient time to see effect