Essential Minerals Required By Plants

Question 1

What are minerals?

Answer 1

Minerals are organic nutrients that are essential for plant growth and development

Question 2

Function of Magnesium in a plant

Answer 2

1. Magnesium (Mg)

• Role: Essential for chlorophyll, protein/nucleic acid synthesis, and enzyme activation.
• Location: Found mainly in leaf chloroplasts to support photosynthesis.
• Deficiency Symptoms: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins), curled leaves, poor flowering/fruiting.
• Solutions: Apply magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt); monitor soil with regular testing.

Question 3

Function of nitrates in a plant

Answer 3

• Role: Key for amino acid, protein, and nucleic acid production; supports nitrogen metabolism.
• Location: Absorbed by roots and transported throughout the plant for tissue growth.
• Deficiency Symptoms: Stunted growth, yellowing of older leaves, overall poor plant health.
• Solutions: Use nitrogen-rich fertilizers, compost, or plant nitrogen-fixing legumes.

Question 4

Definition of photosynthesis

Answer 4

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to make their food. Carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil to make glucose and oxygen

Question 5

Where photosynthesis occurs

Answer 5

Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, which are specialized organelles found in the plant cells. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, thé green pigment thay absorbs light energy.

Question 6

Order events in photosynthesis

Answer 6

1. Water enters the plant through roots
2. Water travels from the roots to the rest of the plant through the stem
3. Carbon dioxide enters leaf through stomata
4. Co2 and water enter chloroplasts within leaves
5. Co2 and water react in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll to produce glucose and oxygen

Question 7

Equation of photosynthesis

Answer 7

6Co2 + 6H2o > C6H12O6 + 6O2
Carbon dioxide + water -(sunlight and chlorophyll)-> glucose + oxygen

Question 8

Absorption in Root Hair Cells

Answer 8

• Root hair cells increase surface area in the soil for water and mineral uptake.

Question 9

Osmosis

Answer 9

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentrati

Question 10

Active transport

Answer 10

Active transport is the movement of substances from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, against the concentration gradient, using energy.

Question 11

Transport through xylem

Answer 11

Is the movement of water and mineral ions from the roots to the leaves of a plant through specialized vessels called xylem vessels.

Question 12

Transpiration from Leaf Surfaces

Answer 12

Transpiration from leaf surfaces is the process by which water vapor is lost from a plant’s leaves through tiny pores called stomata.

Question 13

Factors affecting transportation rate

Answer 13

Temperature: Higher temperatures increase transpiration.
Humidity: Lower humidity speeds up water loss.
Wind Speed: Wind removes water vapor, boosting transpiration.
Light Intensity: More light opens stomata, increasing water loss.