Question

Long answer question.

Explain the active absorption of minerals.

Answer 1

1. Uptake of mineral ions against the concentration gradient is called active absorption.

2. Such movement requires an expenditure of energy by the absorbing cell. This energy is derived from respiration and is supplied through ATP.

3. The rate of active absorption of minerals depends upon respiration.

4. When the roots are deprived of oxygen, they show a sudden drop in the active absorption of minerals. The mineral ions accumulated in the root hair pass into the cortex and finally reach the xylem.

5. The minerals in the xylem are then carried along with water to other parts of the plant along the transpiration stream and are subsequently assimilated into organic molecules and then redistributed to other parts of the plant through the phloem.