11th Class Biology Mineral Nutrition In Plants Major Role Of Nutrients

Various elements perform the following major roles in the plants :

Construction of the plant body : The elements particularly C, H and O construct the plant body by entering into the constitution of cell wall and protoplasm. They are, therefore, referred to as framework elements. Besides, these (C, H and O) N, P and S, Mg and Fe also enter in the constitution of protoplasm. They are described as protoplasmic elements.

Maintenance of osmotic pressure : Various minerals present in the cell sap in organic or inorganic form maintain the osmotic pressure of the cell.

Maintenance of permeability of cytomembranes : The minerals, particularly \[C{{a}^{++}},{{K}^{+}}\] and \[N{{a}^{+}}\]maintain the permeability of cytomembranes.

Influence the pH of the cell sap : Different cations and anions influence on the pH of the cell sap.

Catalysis of biochemical reaction : Several elements particularly \[Fe,Ca,Mg,Mn,Zn,Cu,Cl\]act as metallic catalyst in biochemical reactions.

Toxic effects : Minerals like Cu, As, etc. impart toxic effect on the protoplasm under specific conditions.

Balancing function : Some minerals or their salts act against the harmful effect of the other nutrients, thus balancing each other.