W9, Patterns of nutrient uptake and distribution in plants

Question 1

True or false?

Nutrients are constantly recycled during growth.

Answer 1

True (resource (re)allocation).

Allocation of nutrients between tissues depends on phloem mobility and the strength of competing sinks.

Flowering and fruit set (i.e. the onset of reproductive development) can mark a major change in the allocation of nutrients (they become significant sinks).

Question 2

Describe the general pattern of nutrient uptake in an annual crop.

Answer 2

Initial growth depends on seed reserves.

Once plant establishes, nutrient uptake from the soil builds up the nutrient content in the plant

Once the plant becomes reproductive, it remobilises a lot of the nutrient stored in its tissues to the fruit and grain.