Macronutrients

Options

A. are so called because they are more essential than micronutrients.
B. include manganese, boron, and zinc, among others.
C. function as catalysts.
D. are required in concentrations of at least 1 gram per kilogram of plant dry matter

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution for the Question: Macronutrients**

1. **Definition of Macronutrients**: Macronutrients are essential elements that plants require in large amounts for their growth and development. They are vital for various physiological functions within the plant.

2. **Categories of Nutrients**: Nutrients are divided into two main categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. While macronutrients are needed in larger quantities, micronutrients are necessary in smaller amounts but are equally important for plant health.

3. **Examples of Macronutrients**: The primary macronutrients include:
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Oxygen (O)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Phosphorus (P)
- Sulfur (S)
- Potassium (K)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Magnesium (Mg)

4. **Function of Macronutrients**: These macronutrients play crucial roles in plant metabolism. For instance:
- Nitrogen is essential for amino acids and proteins.
- Phosphorus is vital for energy transfer (ATP) and nucleic acids.
- Potassium regulates various physiological processes including water uptake and enzyme activation.

5. **Comparison with Micronutrients**: Micronutrients, such as boron, manganese, zinc, and molybdenum, are required in much smaller quantities (typically less than 1 gram per kilogram of plant dry matter) but are still critical for plant functions.

6. **Conclusion**: Both macronutrients and micronutrients are essential for plant growth and metabolism. However, macronutrients are required in larger quantities compared to micronutrients.

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