How many types of different mineral elements have been reported in plants?

Options

A. 60
B. 112
C. 10
D. 25

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Mineral Elements in Plants:**
- Mineral elements are essential for plant growth and development. They play a crucial role in various metabolic functions within the plant.

2. **Classification of Essential Elements:**
- There are 16 elements considered essential for plant growth. These include carbon and oxygen, which are the most abundant elements in plants.

3. **Macronutrients and Micronutrients:**
- The 13 essential elements are further classified into macronutrients and micronutrients:
- **Macronutrients** (required in larger amounts): Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur, Calcium, and Magnesium.
- **Micronutrients** (required in smaller amounts): Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Boron, Chlorine, and Molybdenum.

4. **Additional Elements:**
- In addition to the essential elements, there are five additional elements that can also be beneficial: Sodium, Cobalt, Vanadium, Nickel, and Silicon.

5. **Total Mineral Elements Identified:**
- In total, over 60 different mineral elements have been reported in plants, including both essential and non-essential elements.

6. **Conclusion:**
- The correct answer to the question is that approximately 60 types of different mineral elements have been reported in plants.

**Final Answer:**
- Approximately 60 types of different mineral elements have been reported in plants.

---