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How are mineral ions absorbed by plant roots? A - OCR Gateway - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 3
Question 5
How are mineral ions absorbed by plant roots? A. By active transport B. By diffusion C. By osmosis D. By translocation
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How are mineral ions absorbed by plant roots? A - OCR Gateway - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 3
Step 1
A. By active transport
Answer
Mineral ions are primarily absorbed by plant roots through the process of active transport. This mechanism involves the movement of ions against their concentration gradient, which requires energy in the form of ATP. The root cells utilize specialized protein pumps to facilitate this transport, ensuring that necessary nutrients such as potassium, nitrate, and phosphate are taken up efficiently even when they are present in lower concentrations in the soil compared to the root interior.