P7 - Investigating Plant Mineral Deficiencies

Question 1

What Apparatus Is Needed For This Practical?
(5 Points)

Answer 1

~ Nutrient broths.

~ Test tubes.

~ Seedlings.

~ Aluminimum foil.

~ Mass balance.

Question 2

Describe The Method, Corresponding To The Following Practical
(8 Points)

Answer 2

~ Prepare nutrient broths containing every mineral, which a plant requires, with different concentrations of calcium ions in each.

~ Take nine seedlings, ensuring they are from the same plant and are the same age, then record their masses.

~ Place one seedling on top of each test tube, suspending the roots in the nutrient broth.

~ Cover the test tubes, with aluminium foil, to keep light away.

~ Place test tubes near a source of light, and leave them for a few days.

~ Remove each plant from the broth, and blot it dry, before measuring the mass again.

~ Record the end mass, to calculate the mean change in mass, of the plants, for each broth.

~ Note down any visual differences, between the groups.