Which group of elements is not essential for a normal plant?
Lead, nickel, iodine and sodium are the group of elements that are not essential for a normal plant.
Potassium - Potassium helps to maintain an anion-cation balance in cells and is involved in protein synthesis, opening and closing of stomata, activation of enzymes and in the maintenance of the turgidity of cells.
Calcium - During cell division it is used in the synthesis of cell wall, particularly as calcium pectate in the middle lamella.
Magnesium - It activates the enzymes of respiration, photosynthesis and are involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
Iron - It is an important constituent of proteins involved in the transfer of electrons like ferredoxin and cytochromes.
Zinc - It activates various enzymes, especially carboxylases. It is also needed in the synthesis of auxin.
Manganese - It activates many enzymes involved in photosynthesis, respiration and nitrogen metabolism.
Boron - Boron is required for uptake and utilisation of Ca2+, membrane functioning, pollen germination.
Molybdenum - It is a component of several enzymes, including nitrogenase and nitrate reductase both of which participate in nitrogen metabolism.