Test: Mineral Requirement of Plants & Essential Mineral Elements (Old NCERT) - Grade 11 MCQ

Essential elements are those element which are absolutely necessary for supporting normal growth and reproduction of plants, thhe elements are specific in their action and are directly involved in the nutrition of the plant potassium is macroelement, zinc and iron are microelement. Iodine and sodium are essential for animals and are not required by most of the plants however, iodine is found in certain marine algae.

Calcium is an important constituent of middle lamellae in plants, where it is present as calcium pectate. Hence, actively growing regions of calcium like stem tip and root hairs essentially require calcium.

Carbon is one of the macronutrients present in the plants. It is the most abundant element found in plants. Carbon is a constiuent of organic compounds. It is one of the non-mineral element. Carbohydrates like sugars, starches and cellulose are the important organic compounds composed of carbon present in plants.
So, the correct answer is 'Carbon'

Correct option is A.
Essential elements
Plants require essential elements for their growth which they usually take up from the medium on which they grow. When these elements are present in amounts lesser than the critical concentration, it leads to deficiency symptoms.

Source of essential nutrients
Essential elements can come from the soil in which the plant grows. Plants can also be grown in water medium enriched in required nutrients so that they can obtain elements. This method is called hydroponics.
 

A trace element is any chemical element that is present in minute amounts in an environment or ecosystem.
Although a plant's primary nutritional needs are mostly met through nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), they also require small amounts of other elements as well.

Answer:
Introduction:
In order to survive and thrive, plants require certain essential elements that they obtain from their environment. These essential elements are necessary for various physiological and biochemical processes within the plant. However, not all elements are essential for plants.
Explanation:
The element that is not an essential element for plants is:
D: Aluminium
Here is a detailed explanation of why aluminium is not an essential element for plants:
1. Essential elements for plants:
- Essential elements are those that are required by plants for their normal growth and development.
- These elements are involved in various plant functions such as photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient absorption.
- Some examples of essential elements for plants include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and boron.
2. Aluminium:
- Aluminium is a common element found in the Earth's crust.
- While aluminium is abundant in the environment, it is not considered an essential element for plants.
- In fact, aluminium can be toxic to plants at higher concentrations.
- High levels of aluminium in the soil can inhibit root growth, nutrient uptake, and overall plant growth and development.
3. Role of aluminium in plants:
- Aluminium does not play any significant role in the physiological processes of plants.
- Unlike essential elements, aluminium is not involved in any metabolic or biochemical reactions that are necessary for plant growth.
- In fact, plants have developed mechanisms to exclude or detoxify aluminium in order to survive in aluminium-rich environments.
4. Summary:
- While aluminium is a naturally occurring element, it is not essential for plants.
- Plants do not require aluminium for their normal growth and development.
- In fact, high levels of aluminium can be toxic to plants and inhibit their growth.
- Essential elements for plants include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and boron.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, aluminium is not an essential element for plants. While it is abundant in the environment, it can be toxic to plants at high concentrations. Essential elements for plants include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and boron.

Plants require seventeen essential mineral elements which can be grouped into two classes based on the amount required- 
Macronutrients (required in large amount) and micronutrient (required in small amounts).
The essential macronutrients are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, calcium and essential micronutrients are iron, molybdenum, boron, chlorine, copper, zinc, nickel and manganese.

A plant cell is characterised by the presence of a cellulosic cell wall outside the cell membrane. The cell wall is dead at maturity. The cell walls of adjacent cells are joined together by the presence of cementing middle lamella. The middle lamella comprises of calcium pectate.

Macronutrients:
- Macronutrients are nutrients that are required in large amounts by the body.
- They provide energy and are necessary for growth, development, and maintenance of the body.
- The three main macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Analysis of the options:
In order to determine which of the options is a macronutrient, we need to identify the substances listed.
A:

Zn

- Zn stands for zinc.
- Zinc is a mineral that is required in small amounts by the body.
- It is not a macronutrient.
B:

Ca

- Ca stands for calcium.
- Calcium is a mineral that is required in large amounts by the body.
- It is an essential macronutrient that is important for bone health, muscle function, and more.
C:

Mo

- Mo stands for molybdenum.
- Molybdenum is a trace mineral that is required in very small amounts by the body.
- It is not a macronutrient.
D:

Mn

- Mn stands for manganese.
- Manganese is a mineral that is required in small amounts by the body.
- It is not a macronutrient.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is option B: Ca (calcium). Calcium is a macronutrient that is required in large amounts by the body for various physiological functions.

Carbon is obtained by photosynthesis as a gas.