Inorganic nutrients are present in the soil in the form of

Options

A. molecules
B. atoms
C. electrically charged ions
D. parasites

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Inorganic Nutrients**: Inorganic nutrients are essential for plant growth and development. They include minerals and water, which are crucial for various physiological processes in plants.

2. **Sources of Inorganic Nutrients**: These nutrients are primarily sourced from the soil. The soil contains various minerals that plants need to absorb for their metabolic functions.

3. **Form of Inorganic Nutrients**: In the soil, inorganic nutrients are present in the form of ions. Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.

4. **Absorption by Plants**: Plants absorb these inorganic nutrients through their root hairs. The process of absorption can occur via passive transport (where no energy is required) and active transport (where energy is required).

5. **Role of Ions in Transport**: The ions present in the soil help create a concentration gradient, which is essential for the active transport of nutrients into the plant cells. This gradient allows the plant to absorb the necessary minerals effectively.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that inorganic nutrients are present in the soil in the form of electrically charged ions.

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