Plant Nutrition and Mineral Requirements IGCSE Biology: Complete Guide

🌱 Understanding Plant Nutrition in IGCSE Biology

Plants need various nutrients for healthy growth. This guide covers photosynthesis, mineral requirements, and deficiency symptoms.

🧠 Memory Tips

Essential Minerals: “NPK Mg Ca S”

• Nitrogen: Proteins, chlorophyll
• Phosphorus: DNA, ATP, roots
• Kalassium: Enzymes, water regulation
• Mg: Chlorophyll center
• Ca: Cell walls, membrane stability
• Sulfur: Proteins, amino acids

Deficiency Symptoms: “Yellow Stunted Purple”

• Yellow leaves: Nitrogen, magnesium deficiency
• Stunted growth: Phosphorus deficiency
• Purple leaves: Phosphorus deficiency

📚 Key Concepts

Plant Nutrition Types

• Autotrophic: Make own food (photosynthesis)
• Mineral nutrition: Absorb minerals from soil
• Water: Essential for all processes

Photosynthesis Requirements

• Light energy: From sun
• Carbon dioxide: From air
• Water: From roots
• Chlorophyll: In chloroplasts

Mineral Functions

• Nitrogen: Amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll
• Phosphorus: DNA, RNA, ATP, cell membranes
• Potassium: Enzyme activation, stomatal control
• Magnesium: Chlorophyll molecule center
• Calcium: Cell wall strength, enzyme function
• Sulfur: Amino acids, proteins

Deficiency Symptoms

• Nitrogen: Yellow older leaves, stunted growth
• Phosphorus: Purple leaves, poor root development
• Potassium: Yellow leaf edges, weak stems
• Magnesium: Yellow between leaf veins
• Calcium: Stunted growth, weak cell walls

🎯 Exam Focus

Common Questions:

1. Describe mineral functions (5 marks)
2. Identify deficiency symptoms (4 marks)
3. Explain photosynthesis requirements (6 marks)
4. Compare healthy and deficient plants (4 marks)

Key Processes:

• Mineral uptake by roots
• Transport in xylem
• Use in plant metabolism

🚀 Master Plant Nutrition

Excel in plant nutrition with comprehensive study materials and practical examples.

ACCESS BIOLOGY RESOURCES