Detailed Explanation on Mineral Nutrition
Mineral nutrition and a descriptive answer
Detailed Explanation on Mineral Nutrition
Every living organism needs the basic essential substances for its body to work effectively and efficiently. Example – carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. Minerals can be classified into two groups –
Essential and nonessential mineral elements.
Essential mineral nutrients are those that cannot be replaced by any other element, and in their absence, the plant won’t reproduce. Essential elements can be divided into two types – macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients are mineral elements that are required in large amounts, whereas micronutrients are the mineral elements required in small amounts.
Macronutrients –
The following are the macronutrients required by a plant –
1. Carbon – all organic components require hydrocarbons. Thus, carbon is the most essential element.
2. Hydrogen
3. Oxygen
4. Phosphorus – these participate in the formation of cell membranes, phospholipids, proteins, nucleotides, and nucleic acids etc. These are absorbed as phosphate ions.
5. Potassium – it is involved in the opening and closing mechanism of stomata. Also, it is required in the activation of certain enzymes, maintenance of cationic and anionic balance of the body, etc. It is absorbed as a potassium ion.
6. Nitrogen – required essentially by the meristematic tissues. These are absorbed as nitrate ions from the soil.
7. Sulphur – it is present in amino acids such as cysteine and methionine
8. Magnesium – it is involved in respiration and photosynthesis. It also helps in the formation of DNA and RNA. It is also present in the chlorophyll.
9. Calcium – it forms the component of the plant cell walls, especially the middle lamella, which is made up of calcium pectate.
The micronutrients are as follows –
1. Iron – it is an imp element required in larger amounts in comparison with other micronutrients. It is absorbed as ferric ions. It activates the catalase enzyme.
2. Copper – it is involved in redox reactions
3. Boron – it is required for various functions such as cell elongation, pollen germination, cell differentiation, carbohydrate translocation, etc.
4. Manganese – activates enzymes involved in respiration and photosynthesis.
5. Molybdenum – used in the activation of some enzymes.
6. Chlorine – required in the splitting of water during photosynthesis, which leads to the evolution of oxygen. It also maintains the anionic–cationic balance like Na and K ions.
7. Zinc – it activates various enzymes. It is also required in the synthesis of auxin.
This was a summary of mineral nutrition in plants. I hope this helps.
– Written By Manpreet
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