Roles of Water & Ions in Plants
- Plant cells perform a variety of different functions
- In order to perform these functions efficiently, the plant requires water and inorganic ions (minerals)
- They are absorbed through the root hairs on the root and travel up the stem in xylem vessels
- A plant will show certain symptoms (e.g. yellow leaves, stunted growth) when there is a deficiency in any one of these substances
Water
- Important component required for photosynthesis
- Provides a transport medium for minerals
- Maintains turgidity in plant cells though pressure in cell vacuoles
- Regulates temperature - to ensure that enzymes can function at their optimum rate
Magnesium ions
- Important requirement for the production of chlorophyll
- This provides the green colour of stems and leaves and is essential for photosynthesis
Nitrate ions
- Without nitrate ions, the plant would be unable to synthesise DNA, proteins and chlorophyll
- Enzymes are important proteins for which nitrate ions are needed
- These molecules are essential for plant growth, as well as the production of fruit and seeds
Calcium ions
- These form important cell wall components
- Plants require calcium ions for proper growth
Diagram showing the importance of magnesium and nitrate ions for plants
