Topic 3 - Minerals For Growth Flashcards
why do plants need certain elements?
so they can produce important compounds
where do plants get the elements they need?
mineral ions in the soil
what elements do plants need?
nitrates, phosphates, potassium and magnesium in small amounts
why do plants need nitrates?
nitrates contain nitrogen, which plants need to make amino acids and proteins for cell growth
what happens if plants don’t have enough nitrates?
the plant will be stunted and older leaves will turn yellow.
why do plants need phosphates?
phosphates contain phosphorus, which plants need to make DNA and cell membranes, and also for respiration and growth
what happens if plants don’t have enough phosphates?
the plant will have poor root growth and older leaves will turn purple.
why do plants need pottasium?
to help the enzymes needed for photosynthesis and respiration
what happens if plants don’t have enough potassium?
poor flower and fruit growth, discoloured leaves
why do plants need magnesium?
to make chlorophyll
what happens if plants don’t have enough magnesium?
yellow leaves
