Why do plants need magnesium ions?
Reveal answer
To make chlorophyll.
Key words: chlorophyll
2(e) NUTRITION · RECALL
2.22 Mineral ions for plant growth
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Why do plants need nitrate ions?
Reveal answer
To make amino acids, which form proteins for growth.
Key words: amino acids · proteins
How do magnesium and nitrate deficiency symptoms differ?
Reveal answer
Magnesium: yellow leaves (between veins). Nitrate: stunted growth and yellow older leaves.
Key words: yellow · stunted
Why does nitrate deficiency stunt growth?
Reveal answer
No nitrate → fewer amino acids → less protein → fewer new cells.
Key words: amino acids · protein
Why does magnesium deficiency reduce growth?
Reveal answer
Less chlorophyll → less light absorbed → less photosynthesis → less glucose.
Key words: chlorophyll · photosynthesis
How do mineral ions enter root hair cells?
Reveal answer
By active transport, against the concentration gradient, using energy from respiration.
Key words: active transport
Give the CORMMSS plan for a fertiliser–growth investigation in brief.
Reveal answer
C: 5 fertiliser concentrations incl. none; O: same species/age; R: several plants, mean; M1: dry mass / height; M2: after set time; S1/S2: same light, temperature, water volume.
Key words: concentrations · mean · dry mass
Why aerate a water culture?
Reveal answer
Roots need oxygen for respiration to supply energy for active transport of ions.
Key words: oxygen · active transport
What is meant by the term mineral ion?
Reveal answer
A charged inorganic particle absorbed in dissolved form.
Key words: mineral ion
What is meant by the term nitrate?
Reveal answer
An ion supplying nitrogen for amino-acid and protein synthesis.
Key words: nitrate
What is meant by the term magnesium ion?
Reveal answer
An ion required to make chlorophyll.
Key words: magnesium ion
What is meant by the term chlorosis?
Reveal answer
Loss or reduction of green chlorophyll pigmentation.
Key words: chlorosis
Required mineral ions: for Nitrate, NO₃⁻, give the biological use and the likely deficiency effect.
Reveal answer
Biological use: Nitrogen for amino acids and proteins. Likely deficiency effect: Stunted growth; older leaves may yellow.
Key words: Nitrate, NO₃⁻
Required mineral ions: for Magnesium, Mg²⁺, give the biological use and the likely deficiency effect.
Reveal answer
Biological use: Component needed to make chlorophyll. Likely deficiency effect: Chlorosis and reduced photosynthesis.
Key words: Magnesium, Mg²⁺
Required mineral ions: for Phosphate, PO₄³⁻ (extension), give the biological use and the likely deficiency effect.
Reveal answer
Biological use: Phosphates in nucleic acids, ATP and membranes. Likely deficiency effect: Poor root growth or dark foliage in some species.
Key words: Phosphate, PO₄³⁻ (extension)
Required mineral ions: for Potassium, K⁺ (extension), give the biological use and the likely deficiency effect.
Reveal answer
Biological use: Enzyme activation and stomatal function. Likely deficiency effect: Weak growth and leaf-edge damage in some species.
Key words: Potassium, K⁺ (extension)
True or false, and why? “Nitrate is plant food.”
Reveal answer
False. Nitrate supplies nitrogen atoms; plants synthesise their own organic molecules.
True or false, and why? “Magnesium provides energy for photosynthesis.”
Reveal answer
False. Magnesium is needed for chlorophyll; light supplies the energy.
True or false, and why? “All yellow leaves prove magnesium deficiency.”
Reveal answer
False. Many stresses cause yellowing; pattern and controlled evidence are needed.
True or false, and why? “More fertiliser always means more growth.”
Reveal answer
False. Once another factor limits growth, excess ions may harm organisms and ecosystems.