Mineral Salts in Plants PDF
Document Details
Uploaded by AffableLead
Tags
Summary
This document discusses mineral salts, their importance in plant functions, and symptoms of deficiency. It covers topics like photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and plant growth. Key minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are highlighted.
Full Transcript
MINERAL SALTS Mineral salts are chemical compounds formed when a **metal** reacts with a **non-metal**. They dissolve in water to produce **ions**, which carry electrical charges FUNCTIONS OF MINERAL SALTS IN PLANTS - **Photosynthesis**: Minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium are...
MINERAL SALTS Mineral salts are chemical compounds formed when a **metal** reacts with a **non-metal**. They dissolve in water to produce **ions**, which carry electrical charges FUNCTIONS OF MINERAL SALTS IN PLANTS - **Photosynthesis**: Minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium are crucial for chlorophyll production and the photosynthesis process. - **Nutrient Transport**: Mineral salts like potassium help regulate the movement of water, nutrients, and other molecules within the plant. - **Fruit & Flower Development**: Phosphorus and boron play important roles in plant reproduction and the development of fruits and flowers. - **Structural Support**: Mineral salts like calcium and silicon help provide structural rigidity to plant cell walls and tissues. mineral role importance ------------ -------------------------------- --------------------------------------- nitrogen growth Leaf growth and overall size of plant phosphorus Energy movement,cell structure Improve root groth and flowering potassium Regulates water movement Quality of fruits Main mineral salts a plant needs an essential nutrient needed for growth. Without enough nitrate, they cannot produce key components like proteins and chlorophyll. The study material explains that nitrate is essential for chlorophyll production, and without enough nitrate, plants cannot produce sufficient chlorophyll, causing them to appear yellow instead of green. Nitrate deficiency causes several noticeable symptoms in plants: 1. **Yellowing leaves (chlorosis)**: The most common symptom, as nitrate is needed for chlorophyll production. 1. **Stunted growth**: Impaired protein synthesis limits cell division and tissue formation. 1. **Curling leaves**: Leaves may curl downward or upward due to water stress. 1. **Reduced productivity**: Lower protein levels lead to smaller fruits and fewer flowers. 1. **Overall weak plant appearance**: The plant generally looks unhealthy and unproductive.