Question

Write a note on essential nutrients required by plants.

Answer 1

Nutrient elements :

1. Nutrient elements also called as minerals are required by the plants to grow well and complete their life-cycle.
2. Minerals are absorbed by active transport and diffusion.
3. Active transport- Movement of minerals or ions or molecules from the region of lower concentration to the region of higher concentration is called active transport.It utilises energy for the transportation of minerals.
4. Diffusion- Movement of minerals or ions or molecules from the region of lower concentration to the region of higher concentration is called active transport.
5. Minerals are divided into- macronutrients and micronutrients.

Macronutrients-

1. Macronutrients are required in large quantities like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.
2. Nitrogen (N) is important for protein formation.
3. Phosphorus (P) is the main constituent of cell membrane and also of protein..
4. Potassium (K) is present in abundant in growing tissues and also required for closing and opening of stomata.

Micronutrients-

1. Micronutrients are required in lesser amounts like zinc, manganese, iodine, carbon, hydrogen, etc
2. Iron (Fe) is important for protein formation.
3. Manganese (Mn) is the main constituent of some of the enzymes.
4. Zinc (Zn) is the constituent of plant hormones, it also plays the role in activating the enzymes.