According to the CBSE Syllabus 2023-24, this chapter has been removed from NCERT Class 11 Biology textbook.
All living organisms require macromolecules such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water and minerals for growth and development. The important elements required in mineral nutrition include:
Macronutrients
These nutrients are required by the plants in large quantities. These include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, etc.
Micronutrients
These nutrients are required by the plants in small quantities. These include iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chlorine, etc.
| Also Access |
| NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 12 |
| NCERT Exemplar for Class 11 Biology Chapter 12 |
Essential Elements
Mineral nutrition in plants is required for a variety of functions, such as growth, repair and photosynthesis. A deficiency of these essential elements can cause a variety of diseases that can range from chlorosis to necrosis. Elements like boron, calcium, chlorine, copper, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, manganese, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and zinc have been documented to have beneficial effects on the growth and sustenance of plants.
Functions of Mineral Nutrients
The mineral nutrients perform the following functions:
- Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen enter into the cell wall and protoplasm and form the plant body.
- The minerals present in the cell sap maintain the osmotic pressure of the cell.
- Calcium, sodium and potassium maintain the permeability of the cell membrane.
- The cations and anions affect the pH of the cell sap.
- A few salts and minerals balance the harmful effect of other nutrients.
- Several elements act as catalysts for biochemical reactions.
Also Read: Mineral Nutrition
Role of Macro and Micronutrients
The following are the major functions of macro and micronutrients:
|
Mineral Nutrients |
Functions |
|
Nitrogen |
The important constituent of nucleic acid, protein, hormones and vitamins |
| Phosphorus |
Promotes root growth and fruit ripening |
|
Potassium |
It acts as an activator for several enzymes |
| Calcium |
Facilitates the formation of the middle lamella of plants and acts as an enzyme activator |
|
Magnesium |
It plays a vital role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids |
| Sulphur |
The major constituent of amino acids and vitamins |
|
Iron |
It plays an important role in the energy conversion reaction reactions of respiration and photosynthesis, activates nitrate reductase and aconitase |
| Manganese |
Essential for chlorophyll synthesis, initiate photolysis of water |
|
Copper |
It plays an important role in photophosphorylation |
| Molybdenum |
It helps in the synthesis of ascorbic acid |
|
Chlorine |
Helps in the photolysis of water in photosystem-II |
Deficiency of Mineral Nutrients
The deficiency of major mineral nutrients is given below:
|
Mineral Nutrients |
Deficiency Symptoms |
|
Nitrogen |
Impaired plant growth, chlorosis, delayed flowering and fruiting |
| Phosphorus |
Premature leaf fall, necrosis |
|
Sulphur |
Delayed flowering and fruiting, premature leaf fall |
| Potassium |
Mottled chlorosis, inhibition of protein synthesis and photosynthesis |
|
Calcium |
Chlorosis, distortion of leaf shape |
| Magnesium |
Interveinal chlorosis, depression of internal phloem |
|
Iron |
Chlorosis, inhibition of protein synthesis and chloroplast formation |
| Chlorine |
Wilting of leaves, brown edges, leaf spots |
|
Copper |
Causes “die back” disease in leaves, Reduction in vegetative and reproductive growth. |
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Important Question on Mineral Nutrition Class 11
- What are macronutrients?
- Define micronutrients.
- Name some elements that are toxic to plants.
- How does the absorption of minerals take place in plants?
- How is nitrogen in the atmosphere utilized by the plants?
Further Reading
Nitrogen Fixation And Nitrogen Metabolism
Role Of Macronutrients And Micronutrients
Important Questions on Mineral Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE Class 11 Science Notes Chapter 12 Mineral Nutrition in Plants
What are micronutrients?
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals required by the plant in very small amounts.
What is nutrient density?
The nutrient density of a food is the ratio of beneficial ingredients to the food’s energy content for the amount that is commonly consumed.
What are macronutrients?
Macronutrients are vitamins and minerals required by the plant in large amounts.
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