Plants and mineral ions

Question 1

What does photosynthesis provide for plants?

Answer 1

A source of carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are essential for energy and growth.

Question 2

What other types of biological molecules do plants require?

Answer 2

Proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (DNA)

These molecules are crucial for various plant functions and structures.

Question 3

How do plants obtain the substances they need?

Answer 3

They make these substances themselves

Plants synthesize their own nutrients through processes like photosynthesis.

Question 4

What elements do carbohydrates contain?

Answer 4

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

These elements are fundamental to the structure of carbohydrates.

Question 5

What additional element do proteins contain that carbohydrates do not?

Answer 5

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.

Question 6

What are two fundamental mineral ions required by plants?

Answer 6

Nitrogen and magnesium

These ions are critical for plant growth and photosynthesis.

Question 7

What happens to plants without a source of nitrogen and magnesium?

Answer 7

They cannot photosynthesise or grow properly

Lack of these minerals leads to stunted growth and poor health.

Question 8

How do plants absorb mineral ions?

Answer 8

Actively absorbed from the soil by root hair cells

Root hair cells increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients and minerals.

Question 9

What does the term ‘mineral’ refer to?

Answer 9

Any naturally occurring inorganic substance

Minerals are essential for various biological processes in plants.