Biology – 6.2 Plant nutrition – mineral requirements | e-Consult
6.2 Plant nutrition – mineral requirements (1 questions)
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Magnesium ions (Mg2+) are a crucial component of the chlorophyll molecule, which is essential for photosynthesis.
- Magnesium ions are located at the centre of the porphyrin ring in the chlorophyll molecule.
- The magnesium ion helps to hold the chlorophyll molecule in its correct shape, which is necessary for it to absorb light energy effectively.
- Without magnesium, the chlorophyll molecule cannot be formed properly, and the plant will be unable to absorb light energy for photosynthesis.
- This leads to a lack of chlorophyll, resulting in a pale or yellow colour (chlorosis) in the leaves and reduced photosynthetic activity.
Therefore, magnesium is vital for the plant's ability to carry out photosynthesis and produce food.