Question

Passive absorption of mineral salts is not dependent on
A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Donnan equilibrium
D. Ionic exchange

Answer 1

Hint: In plants, mineral absorption is also called the mineral uptake. It is defined as the way in which the minerals enter the cellular material.

Complete Answer:
- Plants absorb minerals in the form of ions from the soil. Earlier it was thought that the absorption of minerals takes place in plants along with the absorption of water but later we get to know that both the processes are different.
- In order to absorb minerals, they should be dissolved in water. Plants absorb minerals through the roots. Larger the surface area of roots, more the minerals get absorbed.

There are two modes of mineral absorption:
1. Passive mineral absorption – It is a passive process and does not require the expenditure of energy. It occurs along the concentration gradient i.e. from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration by simple diffusion, ionic exchange and Donnan equilibrium.
2. Active mineral absorption – It is an active process and requires the expenditure of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). It can occur both along and against the concentration gradient by simple osmosis or through special carrier proteins in the plasma membrane.
Therefore, from the above discussion it has been clear that passive absorption of mineral salts is not dependent on Osmosis.

Hence, option B is the correct answer for this question.

Note: Minerals are the elements that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. They are defined as the naturally occurring inorganic nutrients found in the soil. For example – Manganese is a mineral which is required for the synthesis of Chlorophyll and necessary for photosynthesis during photolysis of water.