water and inorganic ions

• water

  • important component required for photosynthesis
  • provides transport medium for minerals
  • maintains turgidity in plant cells through pressure in cell vacuoles
  • regulates temperature - to ensure enzymes can function at their optimum rate
• magnesium ions

  • important requirement for production of chlorophyll
  • provides green colour of stems and leaves and is essential for photosynthesis
• nitrate ions

  without nitrate ions, the plant would be unable to synthesise DNA, proteins and chlorophyll

  enzymes are important proteins for which nitrate ions are needed

  these molecules are essential for plant growth, as well as the production of fruit and seeds
• calcium ions

  these form important cell wall components

  plants require calcium ions for proper growth