What is passive absorption of minerals?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Understanding Passive Absorption**: Passive absorption of minerals refers to the process by which plants take up mineral ions from the soil without the direct use of metabolic energy. This process relies on physical mechanisms rather than active transport.

2. **Absorption Phases**: The absorption of mineral ions occurs in two main phases. The first phase is known as passive absorption, which is characterized by the rapid uptake of ions.

3. **Mechanism of Passive Absorption**: In passive absorption, mineral ions move into the plant's root cells through physical processes such as diffusion. This movement occurs in the free space or outer space of the cells, also referred to as the apoplast.

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