Plant mineral deficiencies

• What do plants require to grow, survive, and reproduce?

  A range of nutrients
• What mineral is used to form DNA and amino acids?

  Nitrate
• What is the role of calcium in plants?

  Forms calcium pectate for middle lamella
• What mineral is essential for chlorophyll production?

  Magnesium
• How can deficiencies of minerals be investigated in plants?

  • Use Bryophyllum plants
  • Asexual reproduction via budding
  • Produces genetically identical ‘daughter’ plantlets
• What equipment is needed to investigate mineral deficiencies?

  Bryophyllum plantlets and nutrient solutions
• What nutrient solutions are used in the experiment?

  All minerals, without nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, or any nutrients
• What is the first step in the method for the experiment?

  Fill test tubes with each nutrient solution
• Why is tinfoil used in the experiment?

  To prevent light from getting in
• What should be done after pushing the roots through the tinfoil?

  Wrap the test tubes in tinfoil
• What are the safety precautions for handling biohazards?

  • Use disinfectant
  • Wash hands with soap after handling
• What is the risk associated with broken glass?

  Cuts from sharp objects
• What should you do if you get cut by broken glass?

  Elevate cuts and apply pressure
• What is potassium nitrate classified as?

  Flammable, reducing agent
• What precaution should be taken with potassium nitrate?

  Keep away from naked flame
• What is iron chloride when solid?

  Irritant
• What should be worn when handling iron chloride?

  Eye protection
• What are the effects of magnesium deficiency in plants?

  • Stunted growth
  • Yellowed leaves (chlorophyll not synthesized)
• What are the effects of nitrate deficiency in plants?

  • Yellowed leaves with red-brown cast
  • Chlorophyll synthesis restricted due to protein synthesis issues
• What are the effects of calcium deficiency in plants?

  • Stunted growth
  • Weakened stem
  • Reduced support from cell wall
  • Restricted metabolism due to decreased membrane permeability