Plant Physiology - Musienko M.M. 2001

Root Nutrition of Plants
Control Questions and Tasks

1. Characterize The ROOT System as an organ of absorption and METABOLISM in plants.

2. What are the Main Functions of nutrient elements? How are they classified?

3. Through which Tissues do mineral nutrients move? What determines the speed and direction of their transport?

4. The Casparian strip in the endodermis can play a vital role in the absorption of salts by the root xylem, as well as Water under conditions of positive root pressure. Explain the function of the Casparian strip in these phenomena.

5. Why is The process of mineral element absorption selective in nature?

6. In which zone of an actively growing root is The rate of ion absorption the highest?

7. What is The Nature of the interaction between ions during their uptake from the external environment?

8. Describe ion transport into The Cell. What is The Significance of the Membrane Potential for ion uptake by the cell? Explain the selectivity of the process, as well as its dependence on Metabolism and Energy Exchange.

9. Name the driving forces of passive and Active ion transport.

10. Explain how salt uptake by the root system depends on the presence of oxygen, Respiration intensity, Photosynthesis, etc.

11. What is the apoplast, and where is it located? What is the symplast? What are the pathways of short-distance ion movement from the soil solution to the central cylinder of the root?

12. Describe the mechanism and Pathways of the upward Transport of mineral salts throughout the plant.

13. Which Mineral Nutrition elements influence the translocation of organic substances through the phloem?

14. Name the MAIN STAGES OF The Nitrogen Cycle in nature. Why is ammonia called the Alpha and Omega of Nitrogen metabolism in plants?

15. What are the Main sources of nitrogen nutrition for higher plants?

16. List the organisms capable of assimilating nitrogen from the air. What symbiotic nitrogen-fixing organisms do you know?

17. Name the Enzymes involved in nitrate reduction.

18. What do you know about The Mechanism of molecular nitrogen reduction?

19. What is The Role of legumes in increasing the yield of subsequent crops in a crop rotation?

20. Characterize the Nitrogenase complex.

21. What role do microorganisms play in the nitrogen nutrition of plants?

22. What pathways of nitrogen assimilation in plants are you familiar with?

23. Describe the significance of phosphorus and sulfur in the plant.

24. What specific feature of phosphorus primarily determines its physiological role for plants?

25. Characterize the Structural Role of metals in the plant Organism.

26. How do Iron and copper participate in photosynthesis and respiration?

27. Trace The pathway of a potassium ion as it moves from the soil to the leaf. What forces are involved in this process?

28. How can the requirement of plants for mineral nutrition elements be determined?

29. Describe The Physiological Role of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the plant organism.

30. What is the Physiological Role of Trace Elements in plants?

31. Explain The concepts of "physiologically acidic" and "physiologically alkaline" salts.

32. What soil and plant properties must be considered when applying fertilizers?

33. Explain why mineral fertilizers can be a source of environmental pollution. How can this be avoided?

34. Characterize organometallic complexes in the plant organism.

35. Explain what hydroponics and aeroponics are.

36. What automated systems for growing plants in protected ground do you know?