Biological Science, Books a la Carte Plus Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package (6th Edition)
Biological Science, Books a la Carte Plus Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780134296029
Author: Scott Freeman, Kim Quillin, Lizabeth Allison, Michael Black, Greg Podgorski, Emily Taylor, Jeff Carmichael
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 36, Problem 1TYK

Why are N, P, and K considered limiting nutrients?

a. They tend to be found in extremely low levels within plants.

b. Their presence limits the availability of micronutrients.

c. Their availability tends to limit plant growth.

d. They limit the amount of cation exchange taking place in roots.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The concept of limiting nutrients explains that the nutrient that is in short supply relative to the other nutrients will exhaust first and will limit the growth of the plant cells.

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

The availability of nutrients tends to limit the growth of the plant.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/Justification for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that availability of limiting nutrients tends to limit the growth of a plant. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient and a key element in the growth of the plant. Phosphorus aids in the transfer of energy from sunlight to the plants and regulates the growth of the plant. Potassium regulates the closing and opening of stomata and the production of ATP in plants. If these nutrients are exhausted, the plant growth will be affected. Hence, Option (c) is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that limiting nutrients are found at very low levels in the plants. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are macronutrients and these are present in large quantity. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given that presence of limiting nutrients limits the availability of micronutrients. Micronutrients or trace elements are iron, boron, chlorine, magnesium, zinc, and copper. The presence of macronutrients does not affect the levels of micronutrients. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given that limiting nutrients limit the cation exchange occurring in the plants. Limiting nutrients do not interfere with the exchange of cations that is occurring in the roots. So, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Nutrients are necessary for the growth and metabolism of the plant. Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are crucial for the plant growth as they are the limiting nutrients, but are macronutrients. They do not exhibit their effect on limiting the availability of micronutrients and the exchange of cations in the roots of plants.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
An essential nutrient that plant require only small amounts of that cannot be transported from the tissue it was originally deposited in is classified as a Select one: O a. Mobile macronutrient O b. Immobile micronutrient O c. Mobile micronutrient O d. Water O e. Immobile macronutrient
Plants obtain water and nutrients from the soil.a.    What structure in a plant uses water in a metabolic reaction?  What is this metabolic process called? b.    Describe in detail two mechanisms by which water can move from the roots to this location c.    If a plant was exposed to saltwater, how would it affect the above processes? Be specific, including a discussion of water potential d.    How do plants absorb minerals from the soil? Does this process require energy?
(a) define micro and macro nutrients in plant and give any three names of each? (B) write the function and deficiency symptoms of nitrogen and iron in plant?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
Microbial Nutrition and Growth; Author: Scientist Cindy;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK3UkyWjkl8;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY