Green

plants are autotrophic organism that functions as producers in ecosystems.

are able to synthesise their own nutrients by means of photosynthesis. carry out photosynthesis, they require raw materials in the forms of inorganic substance, that is, carbon dioxide, water and mineral nutrients.

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

or trace elements are elements required by plants in traces or small quantities.

 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

0.2g 0.2g 0.2g 1 litre

 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

Macronutrient Potassium (K)

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

Stunted growth Causes leaves to become irregular, distorted and cupped

Macronutrient

Function

Effects of deficiencies

Magnesium (Mg)

As a component of chlorophyll Activates many plant enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism

Yellowing of leaves, sometimes with red spots on leaf surfaces

Sulphur (S)

As a component of certain amino acids and certain coenzymes involved in respiration

Initial yellowing of young leaves spreading to whole plant

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)

Involved in nitrogen fixation during protein synthesis

Pale green leaves Chlorosis between veins of mature leaves Reduces crop yield

Macronutrient Zinc (Zn)

Function As a cofactor in carbohydrate metabolism Needed for the synthesis of auxin Formation of leaves

Effects of deficiencies Stunted growth Leaves with irregular areas of chlorosis

Reduced leaf size

Manganese (Mn)

Activates the enzymes involved in photosynthesis, respiration and nitrogen metabolism

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

Stunted growth Chlorosis in between veins of young leaves