Explain in brief how plants absorb essential elements.

The mechanism of absorption of elements by plants can be explained by two ways i.e.,
i) Apoplast ii) Symplast
i) Apoplast :
* It is first phase, in this process there is an initial rapid uptake of ions into the free space or “outer space” of cells.
* It is a passive movement of ions into the apoplast along the concentration gradient.
ii) Symplast :
* Uptake of ions occurs slowly into the “inner space” i.e., the symplast of the cells.
* The entry and exit of ions to and from symplast against concentration gradient, requires metabolic energy which is an active process.
* The influx and efflux of ions in and out of cells may also occurs passively along their individual concentration gradient.