Chapter 26, Problem 1SQ

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The nutrients which are required in large amount are known as macronutrients whereas substances which are required in trace amount are known as micronutrients. A plant needs around sixteen nutrients for growth and development.

Answer to Problem 1SQ

Correct answer:

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are the macronutrients and required elements for the plant. Hence, the correct answer is option f.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct answer:

Optionf. is given as, “both a and d.”

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are present in abundance in the atmosphere. Carbon is obtained from carbon dioxide, whereas hydrogen is obtained from water by the plants. These nutrients are important for plant’s growth and are required in bulk amount for survival. These elements along with other macronutrients form above 0.5% of plant’s dry weight.

Reason for incorrect answer:

Option a. is given as, “macronutrients.”

Apart from carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, other macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are also necessary for plant’s growth and survival. Hence, option a. is incorrect.

Option b. is given as, “micronutrients.”

Chlorine, iron, boron, manganese and many other elements are required by the plant in trace amount and are called micronutrients. Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen are required in large quantity by the plant and are called macronutrients. Hence, option b. is incorrect.

Option c. is given as, “trace elements.”

Micronutrients such as boron, manganese, and others are also known as trace elements. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are not micronutrients and cannot be called as trace elements. Hence, option c. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as, “required elements.”

Various elements are required by the plants in bulk or trace quantities. The required elements are not restricted to carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Other elements such as nitrogen, boron, manganese, and many more are also required by the plant for growth and development. Hence, option d. is incorrect.

Optione. is given as, “both a and b.”

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are required in bulk amount. These elements are called macronutrients. Elements required in low amounts are micronutrients. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen cannot be micronutrients. Hence, option e. is incorrect

Hence, the options a, b, c, d, and e are incorrect

Conclusion

Therefore, the given option “both a and d” is correct. Thus, the correct option is f.