Mineral nutrition in plants

Plants require a variety of minerals for healthy growth and development. These are absorbed from the
soil by plant roots in the form of ions.
Table 7.1 The major minerals required by plants
Element Form in which Functions Results of deficiency
plants obtain
the element
Nitrogen Nitrate ions, • To make proteins used for • Poor growth.
NO3− plant growth. • Chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves,
• To make chlorophyll. especially older leaves.
• Underdeveloped leaves.
Magnesium Magnesium • To make chlorophyll; • Chlorosis of leaves.
ions, Mg2+ magnesium forms part of
the chlorophyll molecule.
Phosphorus Phosphate • To make ATP. • Stunted growth, i.e. short stems.
ions, PO43− • To make some proteins. • Dull, purplish green leaves with
curly brown edges.
• Poor root growth.
Potassium Potassium ions, • To help maintain the • Leaves have yellow-brown margins
K + correct salt balance in and brown spots that give a
cells. mottled appearance.
• To help in photosynthesis. • Premature death of leaves.
Sulfur Sulfate ions, • To make proteins. • Poor growth.
SO42− • Chlorosis of leaves.
Calcium Calcium ions, • To make cell walls in the • Poor, stunted growth.
Ca2+ tips of growing roots and • Death of the growing tips of roots
shoots. and shoots.
• Poor bud development.

Revision questions
1 Distinguish between autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition.
2 What happens when an organism feeds saprophytically?
3 Explain in detail how a green leaf manufactures glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
4 Write a balanced chemical equation to summarise the process of photosynthesis.
5 Describe FOUR ways in which the internal structure of a green leaf is adapted to
carry out photosynthesis.
6 Identify THREE environmental factors that affect the rate at which green plants
produce glucose.
7 Suggest THREE ways that plants can utilise the glucose produced in photosynthesis.
8 Why are plants growing in a soil deficient in nitrogen usually small with
yellow leaves?
50 7 Concise Revision Course: CSEC® Biology