Which of the following is not a role of Molybdenum

Options

A. It is a component of several enzymes, including nitrogenase and nitrate reductase
B. Its deficiency may cause nitrogen deficiency
C. Plants deficient in molybdenum show slight retardation of growth, inter-veinal chlorosis, etc.
D. It helps in determining solute concentration and anioncation balance in cells

Explanation

To determine which of the following options is not a role of Molybdenum, we need to analyze the functions of Molybdenum in plant nutrition. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Understand the Role of Molybdenum
Molybdenum is an essential micronutrient required by plants in small amounts. It plays a crucial role in various plant functions, particularly in nitrogen metabolism.

### Step 2: Identify Key Functions of Molybdenum
1. **Enzyme Component**: Molybdenum is a vital component of enzymes such as nitrogenase and nitrate reductase. These enzymes are involved in converting nitrate to nitrite and then to ammonia, which is essential for synthesizing amino acids.
2. **Nitrogen Fixation**: Molybdenum is necessary for symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, especially in legumes, to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.
3. **Deficiency Symptoms**: A deficiency in Molybdenum can mimic nitrogen deficiency in plants, leading to symptoms such as chlorosis and growth retardation.

### Step 3: Analyze the Options
Now, let’s evaluate the provided options regarding their relation to Molybdenum's role:

1. **Option 1**: "Component of several enzymes which contain nitrogenase and nitrate reductase."
- This is true; Molybdenum is indeed a component of these enzymes.

2. **Option 2**: "Deficiency can cause nitrogen deficiency."
- This is also true, as Molybdenum is crucial for nitrogen metabolism.

3. **Option 3**: "Deficiency of Molybdenum shows slight retardation in growth and intervenal chlorosis."
- This is true; deficiency symptoms include growth retardation and chlorosis.

4. **Option 4**: "Maintain solute concentration and anion-cation balance in cells."
- This is **not** a role of Molybdenum. While plants do need to maintain solute concentration and balance ions, this function is not specifically attributed to Molybdenum.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the option that does not represent a role of Molybdenum is **Option 4**: "Maintain solute concentration and anion-cation balance in cells."