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They
To
The
elements required by plants can be classified into macronutrients and micronutrients based on the amount needed.
are elements required by plants in large quantities
Macronutrients
Micronutrients
Macronutrients
and micronutrients are required to synthesise substances essential for the healthy growth of plants.
Macronutrients
are :
Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulphur (S)
Carbon
dioxide and water are sources of the three important macronutrients, namely carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
macronutrients required by plants are obtained from the soil in the form of inorganic ions.
Other
Carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen are major elements required by plants for the synthesis of organic substance such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
the macronutrients, plants also require other minerals even though in small quantities.
Besides
Micronutrients
are
Boron (B) Molybdenum (Mo) Zinc (Zn) Manganese (Mn) Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe) Chlorine (Cl)
Micronutrients
are required to activate some enzymes involved in cellular metabolism such as respiration. They may act as cofactors or form part of coenzymes.
absence of mineral nutrients will lead to mineral deficiencies in plants. on the effects of nutrient deficiencies in plants can be done using culture solution.
The
Investigations
plant which grows in such a solution is then compared to another plant which grows in a complete Knops solution.
Knops
solution is a complete culture solution and its contents are as follows Calcium nitrate 0.8g Potassium nitrate 0.2g Potassium dihydrogen phosphate Magnesium sulphate Iron (III) phosphate Distilled water
We
can investigate whether a plant requires a particular mineral element and the effect of its deficiency by eliminating if rom Knops solution.
example, to study the effects of the deficiency of magnesium, the magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) in Knops solution is replaced with potassium sulphate (K2SO4).
For
Macronutrient
Function
Effects of deficiencies
Nitrogen (N)
as a major component of amino acids, nucleic acids chlorophyll, enzymes and coenzymes promotes stem and leaf growth
Phosphorus (P)
As a component of nucleic acids, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phospholipids in plasma membrane Needed for photosynthesis and seed germination
Chlorosis of leaves in which synthesis of the green pigment, chlorophyll, is inhibited resulting in a pale yellow colouration Stunted growth Reduced yields Poor root growth and stunted growth of plant Formation of dark green leaves with red or purple spots on old ones
Function As a cofactor for many enzymes involved in protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism Involved in water balance and regulates the opening of stomata
Effects of deficiencies Stunted growth Yellowing of leaves followed by dying of leaf tips and edges Premature death of plants
Calcium (Ca)
Needed for cell wall formation Regulates movements of substances across cell membrane
Macronutrient
Function
Effects of deficiencies
Magnesium (Mg)
Sulphur (S)
Macronutrient
Boron (B)
Function
Effects of deficiencies
Leaves become thick, curled and brittle Death of terminal buds Abnormal growth
Helps in translocation of sugars, calcium uptake and germination of pollen grains Involved in carbohydrate metabolism and needed for cell division Acts as a cofactor in chlorophyll synthesis
Molybdenum (Mo)
Pale green leaves Chlorosis between veins of mature leaves Reduces crop yield
Function As a cofactor in carbohydrate metabolism Needed for the synthesis of auxin Formation of leaves
Manganese (Mn)
Pale green leaves with a network of green veins Grey spots appear between veins
Macronutrient
Copper (Cu)
Function
As component of enzymes Involved in photosynthesis, as well as carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism Needed for flower formation and reproductive growth Required for lignin synthesis which is needed for cell wall strength and prevention of wilting
Effects of deficiencies
Stunted growth Yellowing of leaves Brown spots appear in terminal leaves Wilting and eventual death of tips of young shoots
Iron (Fe)
As a cofactor in the synthesis of chlorophyll Required for the growing parts of plants