Mineral absorption is :

Options

A. Only active
B. Only passive
C. Both passive and active
D. Mostly passive

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Mineral Absorption**: Mineral absorption in plants refers to the process through which plants take up minerals from the soil. This process is crucial for plant growth and development as minerals are essential nutrients.

2. **Types of Mineral Absorption**: There are two main types of mineral absorption:
- **Active Absorption**: This process requires energy (ATP) to transport minerals against their concentration gradient. It involves the use of specific carrier proteins and pumps in the plant cell membranes.
- **Passive Absorption**: This process does not require energy and occurs along the concentration gradient. It is a slower process compared to active absorption.

3. **Characteristics of Active Absorption**:
- **Energy Requirement**: Active absorption requires energy (ATP).
- **Directionality**: It is a unidirectional process, meaning minerals are absorbed in one direction.
- **Against Concentration Gradient**: Active absorption allows minerals to be taken up even when their concentration is higher inside the plant than in the soil.

4. **Characteristics of Passive Absorption**:
- **No Energy Requirement**: Passive absorption does not require energy.
- **Directionality**: It occurs along the concentration gradient, meaning minerals move from an area of higher concentration in the soil to an area of lower concentration in the plant.
- **Slower Process**: Passive absorption is generally slower than active absorption.

5. **Conclusion**: Mineral absorption in plants involves both active and passive processes. However, it is predominantly active absorption that takes place, as it is faster and allows for the uptake of minerals against their concentration gradient. Therefore, the correct answer to the question "Mineral absorption is:" is "both passive and active."

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