Plants

• What are the 3 main mineral ions needed for plant growth?

  Nitrates, phosphates, potassium
• Where do plants get these mineral ions?

  Soil
• What do nitrates do?

  Contain nitrogen for amino acids and proteins. Proteins help with cell growth.

  If not enough, plant gets stunted and older leaves turn yellow
• What do phosphates do?

  Contains phosphorus for making DNA and cell membranes + respiration and growth.

  If not enough, plant will gave poor root growth and older leaves turn purple
• What do potassium do?


  To help the enzymes needed for photosynthesis and respiration

  If not enough, plants have poor flower and fruit growth and discoloured leaves
• What other mineral ion is needed?

  Magnesium makes chlorophyll, plants that don't have enough have yellow leaves