Chapter 6.

9 The importance of Macronutrients and Micronutrients

1.ELEMENTS IN PLANTS

2.MINERAL DEFICIENCY

3.KNOPS SOLUTION

4.MACRONUTRIENTS

5.MICRONUTRIENTS

EXIT

 Green plants are able to synthesize their own nutrients. To do this, they require raw materials in a form of inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide ,water and mineral nutrients. Mineral nutrients are essential chemical elements required by plants to complete their life cycle and achieve optimal growth and development .

BACK

 Knops solution is a complete culture solution to determine which elements are required for normal growth. Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) 0.8g Potassium nitrate (KNO3) 0.2g Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) 0.2g Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) 0.2g Ferum(III) phosphate (FePO4) trace Distilled Water 1000cm2

BACK

 Mineral deficiency in plants are caused by the absence of one or more of the nutrients required by plants. The effects of nutrient deficiency depend on the function of the absent mineral in the plant

BACK

o Macronutrients are nutrients which are used in large amounts in plants. Carbon(C), hydrogen(H) and oxygen(O) are macronutrients which easily obtained. Therefore, deficiency of these nutrients rarely occur. MACRONUTRIENTS IN PLANTS(CLICK FOR DESCRIPTION):

PHOSPHORUS

POTASSIUM

CALCIUM

MAGNESIUM

SULPHUR BACK

 Micronutrients are minerals which are needed in small amounts. Micronutrients can be supplied to plants by recycling grass clippings and tree leaves.
MICRONUTRIENTS IN PLANTS(CLICK FOR DESCRIPTION):

BORON

MANGANESE

COPPER

MOLYBDENUM

FERUM

ZINC

BACK

 FUNCTION: Phosphorus is used in the synthesis of nucleic acids, adenosine triphosphates (ATP) and phospholipids of plasma membranes. It also acts as a coenzyme in photosynthesis and respiration. EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of phosphorus in a plant can cause poor root growth and formation of dull,dark green leaves. It also can cause red or purple spots on old leaves.

BACK

 FUNCTION: Potassium is used in protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and as a cofactor for many enzymes. It also maintains the turgidity of plants.

EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Potassium in a plant can cause a reducuction in protein synthesis, yellow-edged green leaves and premature death of plants.

BACK

 FUNCTION: Calcium is used as a major constituent of the middle lamella of cell walls and in the formation of spindle fibers during cell division.

EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Calcium in a plant can cause stunted growth and causes leaves to become distorted and cupped. It may also cause areas between the leaf veins to become yellow.

BACK

 FUNCTION: Magnesium is used as the main structural component of chlorophyll and it activates most plant enzymes. It is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism. EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Magnesium in a plant can cause yellowing in regions between the veins of mature leaves and the presence of red spots on leaves. It also causes leaves to be cupped.

BACK

 FUNCTION: Sulphur is used as a component of certain amino acids and acts as a constituent of vitamin B and some coenzymes.

EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Sulphur in a plant can cause general yellowing of the effected leaves or the entire plant.

BACK

 FUNCTION: Boron aids in calcium uptake by roots and translocation of sugars. It is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and aids in the germination of pollen grains. It is required in the normal mitotic division in the meristems and acts as a cofactor in chlorophyll synthesis.

EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of sulphur can cause death of terminal budsand abnormal plany growth. It may also cause leaves to become thick, curled and brittle.

BACK

 FUNCTION: Copper is an important component of enzymes and is involved in nitrogen metabolism and photosynthesis. It is important for reproductive growth and flower formation in plants. EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Copper can cause death of tips of young shoots, brown spots to appear on terminal leaves and plants to become stunned.

BACK

 FUNCTION: Ferum is used as a cofactor in the synthesis of chlorophyll and essential for young growing parts of plants.

EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Ferum can cause yellowing of leaves.

BACK
Muhammad Nuwair Asyrani bin Musa 4.A Chapter 6.9 Importance of Macronutrients and Micronutrients

 FUNCTION: Manganese is used as an activator of enzymes in photosynthesis, respiration and also nitrogen metabolism.
EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Manganese a network of green veins on a light green background and brown or grey spots between veins.

BACK
Muhammad Nuwair Asyrani bin Musa 4.A Chapter 6.9 Importance of Macronutrients and Micronutrients

 FUNCTION: Molybdenum is involved in nitrogen fixation and reduction of nitrates during protein synthesis. EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Molybdenum can cayse Chlorosis in areas between veins of mature leaves, pale green leaves and reduction of crop yield.

BACK
Muhammad Nuwair Asyrani bin Musa 4.A Chapter 6.9 Importance of Macronutrients and Micronutrients

 FUNCTION: Zinc is used in the formation of leaves, synthesis of auxin (growth hormone) and a cofactor in nitrogen metabolism.

EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Zinc can cause mottled leaves with irregular areas of chlorosis and retarded growth.

BACK
Muhammad Nuwair Asyrani bin Musa 4.A Chapter 6.9 Importance of Macronutrients and Micronutrients