The naturally occurring inorganic nutrients found in food and soil that are necessary for the healthy operation of an animal or plant’s body are known as minerals. Minerals are essential to human survival. Micronutrients, such as boron, copper, and others, are needed by plants in tiny amounts, whereas macronutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are needed in larger quantities.
Macronutrients
The nutrients from plants that are necessary for significant amounts since our bodies cannot produce them on their own. These macronutrients support the body’s various metabolic systems, growth, and development while also supplying energy. Fats, proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals are examples of macronutrients.
Role of Macronutrients in Plants
Phosphorous
- Through aiding in the transfer of carbohydrates, phosphorus promotes proper root growth and fruit ripening
- Fruits and seeds are rife with phosphorus.
- Phosphorus shortage results in early leaf fall and dark green or purplish coloring.
Nitrogen
- Numerous coenzymes, hormones, and ATP, among others, contain nitrogen.
- It is an essential component of many substances, including proteins, vitamins, and nucleic acids.
- Lack of nitrogen causes stems to develop anthocyanin coloration, completely stop flowering and fruiting, and grow more slowly.
Potassium
- The only monovalent cation that plants require and that activates enzymes like DNA polymerase is potassium. A potassium deficit causes mottled chlorosis.
Sulfur
- It is necessary for the synthesis of proteins, amino acids, and oils. It is essential for the production of chlorophyll, encourages nodulation in legumes, aids in the development and activation of specific enzymes and vitamins, and serves as a structural element for two of the 21 amino acids that make up protein.
Magnesium
- A crucial component of chlorophyll is magnesium. It is the primary, divalent atom of chlorophyll. Since they are necessary for photosynthesis, they can be found in all green plants. They play a crucial role in the binding of ribosomal particles, which are necessary for protein synthesis. Additionally, they are a component of numerous respiration enzymes.
Calcium
- This mineral is necessary for the proper functioning of the cell membrane as well as cell division. This mineral also regulates metabolic processes.
Micronutrients
The plant-based nutrients, which are needed in very small amounts, are primarily in charge of repairing damaged cells and tissues and preventing infectious diseases by battling pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. that cause disease. Calcium, iron, vitamins, minerals, iron, and vitamin C are examples.
Role of micronutrients in Plants
Copper
- Many proteins have copper as a structural component.
- Plastocyanin, a copper protein that serves as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain of photosynthesis, is crucial for the process of photosynthesis.
- Necessary for the respiration process.
- Activate a number of enzymes.
- Participates in the metabolism of cell walls.
Manganese
- It’s necessary for photosynthesis.
- Chlorophyll is made with the help of manganese.
- It also stimulates the metabolism of nitrogen.
Zinc
- Basically, it is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, phosphorus, and tryptophan production.
- Alcohol dehydrate-gas, carbonic anhydrase, lactic dehydrogenase, hexokinase, and carboxypeptidase are •Enzymes that contain zinc as a component.
Iron
- Compared to other micronutrients, iron is needed in higher concentrations. It aids in the activation of enzymes and is a crucial component of protein.
Boron
- Boron is crucial for controlling plant hormone levels and fostering healthy growth. Boron enhance the growth and retention of flowers, the lengthening and germination of pollen tubes, and the development of seeds and fruits.
Molybdenum
- The transition metal molybdenum, in the form of molybdate, is crucial for plants because it is used by several enzymes to catalyze the most significant reactions in nitrogen acclimation, phytohormone synthesis, purine breakdown, and sulfite detoxification.
Chlorine
- Osmotic and stomatal control, the evolution of oxygen in photosynthesis, and disease resistance and tolerance are only a few of its roles in plant growth and development. If the soils are lacking in this nutrient, Cl increases the yields and quality of many crops, such as onions and cotton, at acceptable levels of availability.
|
Micronutrients |
Macronutrient |
| Need in smaller amounts are termed micronutrients. | Need in larger amounts are termed Macronutrient |
| Boron, copper, manganese, iron, chlorine, and molybdenum. | Sulfur, nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. |
| Micro-nutrients contribute to plant growth and disease prevention | Macronutrient Provides the energy required for the metabolic system. |
| Are present in fruits, vegetables, eggs, fermented foods, green leafy vegetables, etc. | Are present abundantly in cereals, fish, legumes, meat, nuts, oilseeds, potatoes, yam, etc |
| Micronutrients are also called trace elements | Macronutrients known as major elements |
FAQs on Macro and Micro-Nutrients
Question 1: What is mineral nutrition?
Answer:
The naturally occurring inorganic nutrients found in food and soil that are necessary for the healthy operation of an animal or plant’s body are known as minerals. Minerals are essential to human survival. Micronutrients, such as boron, copper, and others, are needed by plants in tiny amounts, whereas macronutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are needed in larger quantities.
Question 2: What are micronutrients?
Answer:
The nutrients that our body needs in little amounts are known as micronutrients. These include vitamins and minerals that are necessary for our body to grow and produce energy.
Question 3: What are macronutrients?
Answer:
To maintain body functions and carry out daily activities, a considerable amount of macronutrients—nutrients that provide calories or energy—are needed. Food groups called macronutrients include carbs, lipids, and proteins. Most foods high in macronutrients also include certain micronutrients.
Question 4: What is the role of iron in plants?
Answer:
Compared to other micronutrients, iron is needed in higher concentrations. It aids in the activation of enzymes and is a crucial component of protein.
Question 5: What is the role of calcium in plants?
Answer:
This mineral is necessary for the proper functioning of the cell membrane as well as cell division. This mineral also regulates metabolic processes.