Question

Identify the correct statements:
i. The absorption of mineral ions takes place in two phases.
ii. The passive phase involves the movement of ions through symplast pathway.
iii. The active phase involves the use of pumps.

• A. Only i & ii are correct
• B. Only i is correct
• C. Only ii is correct
• D. Only i & iii are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is D Only i & iii are correct

The absorption of minerals or mineral uptake takes place in 2 phases:

1. Passive uptake- This is an initial round of uptake of ions in which ions move into the space outside the plasma membrane of cells by diffusion is called apoplast. There is no use of energy here. This usually happens through ion channels or membrane proteins.

2. Active uptake- This is second phase in which ions are absorbed slowly into the inner space that is into the cellular matrix called symplast. This utilises energy in order to occur via pumps.