Nutrients generally Available to plants:
a. Ammonium
b. Phosphates
c. Chloride
d. a and c
e. None of the above
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. a and c (Ammonium and Chloride).
Explanation:
Plants require a variety of nutrients to thrive, which they absorb from the soil. These nutrients can be classified into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Ammonium and chloride are examples of nutrients available to plants, and their roles are essential for healthy growth.
- Ammonium (NH4+):
Ammonium is one of the two primary forms of nitrogen available to plants, the other being nitrate (NO3-). Nitrogen is a vital component of amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll, and plants use it to carry out essential functions like growth and photosynthesis. Ammonium is absorbed by plant roots through specific transporters, and once inside the plant, it is incorporated into various organic compounds. It is particularly important in soils with high organic matter or where ammonium fertilizers have been applied. - Chloride (Cl-):
Chloride is a micronutrient that plants absorb in small amounts. It plays an essential role in maintaining osmotic balance and helping with the regulation of stomatal openings. Stomata are pores on the surface of plant leaves that control the exchange of gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) and water vapor. Chloride helps in maintaining the integrity of these stomatal functions and is also involved in enzyme activation within the plant. Though required in smaller quantities, its deficiency can impact plant health, especially in regard to water use efficiency. - Phosphates (PO4^3-):
Phosphates are also vital for plant growth, but they are not present in the correct answer here. Phosphorus is a macronutrient that plants require in the form of phosphate ions. It is essential for energy transfer (ATP), DNA and RNA synthesis, and the formation of cell membranes. While phosphate is crucial, it wasn’t included in the right answer because it wasn’t listed in the choices corresponding to “d. a and c.”
In summary, ammonium and chloride are both available to plants, with each playing a distinct role in plant metabolism, growth, and development.