Nutrient Absorption in Plants

Flashcards covering essential terms and concepts related to nutrient absorption in plants.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen.

Essential Nutrients

Components necessary for a plant's life cycle that it cannot synthesize itself, requiring uptake from the soil.

Macronutrients

Nutrients needed by plants in relatively large amounts, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Micronutrients

Nutrients needed by plants in very small amounts, essential for various physiological functions.

Active Transport

The process by which nutrients are absorbed into root cells against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Root Hairs

Extensions of root epidermal cells that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Cation

Positively charged ions that can move passively into root cells through channels created by proton pumps.

Anion

Negatively charged ions that require a cotransporter to move into root cells against their concentration gradient.

Local Depletion of Resources

The phenomenon where local soil nutrients are absorbed by roots, requiring roots to continue growing to access new nutrients.

Proton Pump

A membrane protein that actively transports protons out of root cells, creating an electrochemical gradient that aids in nutrient absorption.