Biology- Plant Minerals

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Nitrates

Plants need three main minerals so they can produce important compounds.

Nitrates

  • These contain nitrogen for making amino acids and proteins. 
  • These are needed for cell growth.
  • If a plant doesn't get enough nitrates, its growth will be poor and it will have yellow, older leaves.
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Phosphates

Phosphates

  • This is needed for respiration and growth.
  • They contain phosphorus for making DNA and cell membranes.
  • Plants without enough phosphates have poor root growth and discoloured older leaves.
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Potassium

Potassium

  • These are needed to help the enzymes needed for photosynthesis and respiration.
  • If plants don't get enough potassium from the soil they have poor flower and fruit growth and discoloured leaves.

Magnesium

  • This is needed in a smaller amount, its required for making chlorophyll (needed for photosynthesis).
  • Plants lacking magnesium have yellow leaves.
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