Q37.2-2CC - Campbell Biology

Question

If an element increases the growth rate of a plant, can it be defined as an essential element?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

No, increasing plant growth by an element does not make it an essential element. Without the presence of essential elements, plants cannot complete their life cycle.

Step 1: Essential element

The term essential elements refer to those chemical nutrients that living organisms take from an external medium to complete their life cycle for healthy growth.

The two categories of essential elements are macronutrients(magnesium, sulfur, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon)and micronutrients (molybdenum, boron, copper, zinc, manganese, chlorine, and iron).

The several functions associated with essential nutrients in plants are enhancing rapid growth, helping flower formation, giving green color to plants, root formation, and seed production.

Step 2: Crop

The cultivated plant grown in large quantities to obtain economic benefits is called the crop. Examples of crops include fruits, vegetables, rice, corn, timber, and herbal plants. 

Step 3: Role of the element in increasing plant growth

The essential elements are not replaceable by any other elements like mineral elements. The plants' metabolism and life cycle strictly involve essential elements for their growth and reproduction. Hence, the element which increases plant growth doesn't need to be considered as an essential element.