Question:

Why is the purification of water and nutrient salts so important in studies involving mineral nutrition using hydroponics?

Answer:

1. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in water instead.

2. Purifying the water and nutrient salts used in hydroponics is important because it ensures that the plants are receiving the proper levels of nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

3. Impurities in the water and nutrient salts can interfere with the plants’ ability to absorb the minerals they need, leading to poor growth and development.

4. Therefore, purifying the water and nutrient salts used in hydroponics helps to provide the plants with the optimal levels of nutrition they need to grow and develop properly.

Question:

Why is that in certain plants deficiency symptoms appear first in younger parts of the plant while in others they do so in mature organs?

Answer:

1. The reason why certain plants show deficiency symptoms first in younger parts of the plant while in others they do so in mature organs is due to the differences in the nutrient requirements of the different plant species.

2. In some plants, the younger parts of the plant require more nutrients than the mature organs, while in others the mature organs require more nutrients than the younger parts.

3. This difference in nutrient requirements leads to the deficiency symptoms appearing first in the part of the plant that requires more nutrients.

4. For example, if a plant species requires more nitrogen in its younger parts, then the deficiency symptoms will appear first in the younger parts of the plant.

5. On the other hand, if a plant species requires more phosphorus in its mature organs, then the deficiency symptoms will appear first in the mature organs of the plant.

Question:

What are the conditions necessary for fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by Rhizobium. What is their role in N2​ fixation?

Answer:

1. The conditions necessary for fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by Rhizobium are the presence of an adequate supply of energy and a nitrogen source.

2. Rhizobium bacteria use this energy and nitrogen source to convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that can be used by plants. This process is known as nitrogen fixation.

3. The role of Rhizobium in N2 fixation is to catalyze the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, which is then assimilated by the plant. This process is essential for the growth of plants, as nitrogen is an essential nutrient for their growth. Without the presence of Rhizobium, plants would not be able to take up nitrogen from the atmosphere.

Question:

If a plant shows a symptom which could develop due to deficiency of more than one nutrient, how would you find out experimentally, the real deficient mineral element?

Answer:

1. Observe the symptoms of the plant carefully and make a list of the possible nutrient deficiencies that could be causing the symptoms.

2. Conduct research to determine which nutrient deficiencies are most likely to be causing the symptoms.

3. Create a hypothesis that states which nutrient deficiency is most likely causing the symptoms.

4. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis. This experiment should include testing for the suspected nutrient deficiency as well as other nutrient deficiencies that may be causing the symptoms.

5. Carry out the experiment and collect data.

6. Analyze the data to determine which nutrient deficiency is causing the symptoms.

7. Draw conclusions from the data and confirm the hypothesis.

Question:

Minerals are absorbed by plants: A In colloidal form B In Ionic form C In precipitated form D None of these

Answer:

A) Minerals are essential for the growth and development of plants.

B) Plants absorb minerals from the soil through their roots.

C) Minerals can be absorbed by plants in three forms: colloidal, ionic, and precipitated forms.

D) Colloidal form is when the minerals are suspended in a colloid, a mixture of two or more substances.

E) Ionic form is when the minerals are in the form of ions, which are electrically charged atoms or molecules.

F) Precipitated form is when the minerals form a solid precipitate when they come in contact with other substances in the soil.

G) None of these options is correct.

Question:

Explain the steps involved in the formation of root nodule.

Answer:

Step 1: The root nodules are formed when a nitrogen-fixing bacteria called Rhizobium enters the root hair cells of the legume plant.

Step 2: The Rhizobium bacteria release a chemical signal, which triggers the root hair cells to form a nodule.

Step 3: The root hair cells then divide and form a nodule around the bacteria.

Step 4: The nodule then produces enzymes that convert nitrogen from the air into ammonia, which is then used by the plant for growth.

Step 5: The nodule also helps the plant absorb more water and nutrients from the soil.

Step 6: The nodule helps the plant to survive in nitrogen-poor soil.

Question:

All elements that are present in a plant need not be essential to its survival. Comment.

Answer:

This statement is true. It is possible for a plant to survive without certain elements that it contains. For example, some plants can survive without nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, which are essential elements for other plants. Additionally, some plants may be able to survive with a limited supply of other elements, such as magnesium and calcium. Therefore, not all elements present in a plant are essential for its survival.

Question:

Explain with examples : macronutrients, micronutrients, beneficial nutrients, toxic elements and essential elements.

Answer:

Macronutrients: Macronutrients are nutrients that the body needs in large amounts. Examples include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Micronutrients: Micronutrients are nutrients that the body needs in small amounts. Examples include vitamins and minerals.

Beneficial Nutrients: Beneficial nutrients are nutrients that have a positive effect on health. Examples include omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.

Toxic Elements: Toxic elements are elements that can be harmful to the body in large amounts. Examples include lead, mercury, and arsenic.

Essential Elements: Essential elements are elements that the body needs to function properly. Examples include iron, calcium, and zinc.

Question:

Which of the following statements are true? If false, correct them. (a ) Boron deficiency leads to the stout axis. (b ) Every mineral element that is present in a cell is needed by the cell. (c ) Nitrogen as a nutrient element, is highly immobile in plants. (d ) It is very easy to establish the essentiality of micronutrients because they are required only in trace quantities.

Answer:

(a) False - Boron deficiency does not lead to the stout axis.

(b) True

(c) False - Nitrogen as a nutrient element is highly mobile in plants.

(d) True

Question:

Name at least five different deficiency symptoms in plants. Describe them and correlate them with the concerned mineral deficiency.

Answer:

1. Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium deficiency in plants can cause yellowing of the leaves, starting from the older leaves to the newer leaves. This is known as chlorosis.

2. Nitrogen Deficiency: Nitrogen deficiency in plants can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and slow growth of the plant.

3. Phosphorus Deficiency: Phosphorus deficiency in plants can cause stunted growth, dark green leaves, and slow growth of the plant.

4. Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency in plants can cause yellowing of the leaves, starting from the newer leaves to the older leaves. This is known as chlorosis.

5. Potassium Deficiency: Potassium deficiency in plants can cause yellowing of the leaves, starting from the older leaves to the newer leaves. This is known as chlorosis.