Unit 3- Module 8 Plant Nutrition

Q: After carbon, what is the most abundant element in plant cells?

A: Oxygen is the second most abundant element in plant cells after carbon.

Q: What element plays a key role in regulating nutrient transport?

A: Potassium (K⁺) regulates nutrient transport and helps activate enzymes.

Q: What supports stomata regulation of water balance?

A: Guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata, regulating water balance.

Q: What is the most important source of biological nitrogen fixation? What organisms form the symbiotic relationship?

A: The bacterium Rhizobium is the key nitrogen fixer, forming a symbiotic relationship with legume roots.

Q: What are mycorrhizae?

A: Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance water and nutrient uptake

Q: What percent of terrestrial plant roots contain endomycorrhizae?

A: About 85% of terrestrial plant roots have endomycorrhizae.

Q: What type of plant is the Dutchmen’s pipe, and what does it do?

A: The Dutchmen’s pipe is a parasitic plant that obtains nutrients by attaching to the roots of host plants.

Q: Define: hemiparasite

Hemiparasite: A plant that photosynthesizes but also taps into host xylem for water and nutrients (e.g., mistletoe).

Q: Define: epiphyte

Epiphyte: A plant that grows on another plant but is not parasitic (e.g., orchids)

Q: Define: saprophyte

Saprophyte: An organism that feeds on decaying organic matter (rare in true plants).