Biological Science
Biological Science
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780321743671
Author: Scott Freeman
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 39, Problem 1TYK
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

An essential nutrient is an element or compound that is required by plant to exhibit normal physiological functions like growth and reproduction and plant is not able to finish its life cycle without this nutrient. Essential nutrients are further divided into macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are elements required by plants in moderately large quantities. For example, macronutrients form main components of nucleic acids, proteins, and phospholipids. Micronutrients are elements required by plants in small quantities. For example, molybdenum is a micronutrient act as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in nitrogen processing.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

If essential nutrient is missing, a plant cannot grow or reproduce normally.

Explanation of Solution

Justification for the correct answer:

Option (b) is given as if essential nutrient is missing, a plant cannot grow or reproduce normally. An essential nutrient is crucial for growth and reproduction of plants. The key macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) which plays significant role in growth of a plant as they form major elements in building blocks like proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and energy molecules like ATP. These elements N, P, and/or K are also involved in synthesis of soil fertilizer for increasing plant growth. The deficiency or shortage of essential nutrient causes yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, dead spots, delayed maturity, poor seed and fruit formation. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Justification for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given as if essential nutrient has to be added as fertilizer to achieve maximum seed production. The primary function of fertilizer is to increase plant growth, crop production, and crop quality. Hence, option (a) is an incorrect answer.

Option (c) is given as if essential nutrient is present at high concentration, plant growth increases. It is not necessary that high concentration of essential nutrient increases plant growth. High concentrations of essential nutrient in the soil can hamper plant growth and decrease crop yields. Hence, option (c) is an incorrect answer.

Option (d) is given as if essential nutrient is absent, other nutrients may be substituted for it. It is not necessary that other nutrients substitute for essential nutrient. Many essential nutrients have specific role like micronutrient molybdenum, as it acts as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in nitrogen processing. Its deficiency can hamper nitrogen metabolism in plants. Hence, option (d) is an incorrect answer.

Conclusion

The precise definition of essential nutrient is its requirement for plant growth and reproduction.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
1. Color the line that represents all ancestors of the Eastern white pine tree green (but only the ancestral line NOT shared with other organisms)   2. Oncle the last common ancestor of the Colorado blue spruce tree and Eastern white pine tree.   3. Put a box around the last common ancestor of the sugar maple tree and the dogwood tree.   4. Put a triangle around the last common ancestor of the red pine tree and the american holly bush.   5. Color the line that represents all ancestors of the Ponderosa pine tree red (including all shared ancestors).   6. Color the line that represents all ancestors of the American elm tree blue (including all shared ancestors).   7 Color the line that represents all ancestors of the Sabal palm tree purple (including all shared ancestors)   8. Using a yellow highlighter or colored pencil, circle the clade that includes all pine trees.   9. Using a orange highlighter or colored pencil, circle the clade that includes all gymnosperms   10. Can you tell…
You have been hired as a public relations specialist to give invertebrates a good name. After all, they are much more than just creepy crawly bugs! Your first task though is to convince yourself that is true. The best way to do that is to start close to home. Find something in your house that is a product obtained directly from an invertebrate or only due to an invertebrate’s actions. Describe the product, its function and utility, as well as any human manufactured alternatives. Be sure to highlight the advantages of obtaining this directly from nature. Keep in mind, a product can be something you use, wear, eat, or enjoy for its visual appeal.
Use the following tree diagram to answer Questions #8-10.   8) Which of the following two animals are the most closely related based on the tree to the left? a) Pig and camel b) Hippo and pig c) Deer and cow 9) CIRCLE on the tree diagram where the common ancestor between a hippo and a cow is. 10) Put a SQUARE on the tree diagram where the common ancestor between a pig and a peccary is.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Nutrition Now
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337415408
Author:Brown
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Basic Clinical Lab Competencies for Respiratory C...
Nursing
ISBN:9781285244662
Author:White
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Aquaculture Science
Biology
ISBN:9781133558347
Author:Parker
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
Biology
ISBN:9781337408332
Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Drug Abuse, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.; Author: Medical Centric;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Dte96WdqM;License: Standard youtube license