Table of Contents
Introduction;
what is a biome?
A biome is a large, distinctive ecosystem that is found in a particular region of the Earth. Each biome is characterized by the types of plants and animals that live there, as well as the climate.
What are Mineral Elements?
Mineral elements are the building blocks of the earth’s crust. They are the materials that make up rocks, soils, and the bodies of plants and animals. Mineral elements are classified as inorganic compounds, meaning that they are not made of living things.
1. Macrominerals
are those minerals that are needed in relatively large quantities by the body. The body needs at least 100 mg of calcium per day, for example.
2. Macrominerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride.
3. Macrominerals are important for maintaining bone health, blood pressure, and heart function.
4. They are also necessary for other bodily functions, such as nerve and muscle communication.
2. Microminerals
A micromineral is a mineral that is present in the body in very small quantities. The body needs only trace amounts of microminerals for good health, and most people get enough of these minerals from their diets. Some examples of microminerals include copper, iodine, chromium, and selenium.
The body uses microminerals for a variety of important functions. Copper, for example, is essential for the production of red blood cells. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Chromium helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and selenium is important for immune system function.
While most people get enough microminerals from their diets, some people may not. In these cases, a doctor may recommend a supplement containing a specific micromineral.
Absorption of Mineral Elements in Plants
One of the main ways that plants acquire mineral elements is through absorption from the soil. Plants have fine roots that extend into the soil and these roots have small hair-like growths called root hairs. The root hairs are very important for absorption of minerals from the soil. The root hairs have a very high surface area to volume ratio and this allows them to absorb a large amount of minerals from the soil.
The minerals that are absorbed from the soil are transported to the rest of the plant by the plant’s circulatory system. The minerals are then used by the plant to carry out various functions, such as photosynthesis and respiration.
1. Active Mineral Absorption
Active mineral absorption is the process by which minerals are dissolved from the food that is eaten and then absorbed into the bloodstream. This process occurs in the small intestine and is facilitated by digestive enzymes and the presence of vitamin B12. The minerals that are most commonly absorbed in this way are calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
2. Passive Mineral Absorption
Passive mineral absorption is the process of minerals being absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. This process does not require any energy and occurs through osmosis. Minerals that are absorbed in this way include sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium.
Functions of Mineral Elements in Plants
There are six mineral elements in plants that are essential for plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and is used to produce proteins and other biomolecules. Phosphorus is essential for photosynthesis and is used to produce energy storage molecules such as starch and sucrose. Potassium is essential for photosynthesis and plant growth and is used to produce proteins and other biomolecules. Calcium is essential for plant growth and is used to produce cell walls. Magnesium is essential for plant growth and is used to produce chlorophyll. Sulfur is essential for plant growth and is used to produce proteins and other biomolecules.
