Edexcel iGCSE Biology-2.22 mineral ions for Plants growth- Study Notes- New Syllabus
Edexcel iGCSE Biology-2.22 mineral ions for Plants growth- Study Notes- New syllabus
Edexcel iGCSE Biology-2.22 mineral ions for Plants growth- Study Notes -Edexcel iGCSE Biology – per latest Syllabus.
Key Concepts:
2.22 understand that plants require mineral ions for growth, and that magnesium ions are needed for chlorophyll and nitrate ions are needed for amino acids
Mineral Ions Needed for Plant Growth
📝 Introduction
Plants don’t just need water, light, and CO₂ – they also need mineral ions from the soil.
These minerals are absorbed by the roots (through active transport).
Two very important ones for iGCSE are magnesium ions and nitrate ions.
🧪 Key Mineral Ions
1. Magnesium Ions (Mg²⁺)
- Function → Needed to make chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs light for photosynthesis.
- Without enough magnesium:
- Leaves turn yellow (especially between veins) → condition called chlorosis.
- Less chlorophyll → less photosynthesis → stunted growth.
2. Nitrate Ions (NO₃⁻)
- Function → Needed to make amino acids, which build proteins.
- Proteins are essential for growth (new cells, tissues, enzymes, DNA, etc).
- Without enough nitrate:
- Plants show stunted growth.
- Older leaves may turn yellow.
📊 Summary Table
| Mineral Ion | Needed For | Deficiency Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg²⁺) | Chlorophyll production → photosynthesis | Yellowing leaves (chlorosis), poor growth |
| Nitrate (NO₃⁻) | Amino acids → proteins for growth | Stunted growth, yellow leaves |
🎯 Tips
- For nitrates, always link to amino acids → proteins → growth.
- Deficiency symptoms = yellow leaves + stunted growth.
⚡ Quick Recap
Mg²⁺ → chlorophyll → photosynthesis → deficiency = yellow leaves.
NO₃⁻ → amino acids → proteins → growth → deficiency = stunted plant.