Question

Which of the following elements is responsible for maintaining turgor in cells?
A.Potassium
B.Magnesium
C.Calcium
D.Sodium

Answer 1

Hint: We know that plants need several minerals for their normal growth and development. The process of utilization of mineral nutrients for the normal growth and development of plants is known as mineral nutrition.

Complete answer:
We can classify the elements needed by plants into two categories and these are essential elements and non-essential elements. Essential elements are the elements that are necessary for the normal growth and development of plants. Elements required by plants in large quantities are called macronutrients. Those elements that are needed only in small amounts are called micronutrients
Potassium is an essential element that is needed by plants. It is absorbed in the form of potassium ion. It maintains the anion- cation balance in cells. They also perform functions like protein synthesis, chlorophyll synthesis, enzyme activation, and also maintain the movements of stomata. Note that it is potassium that maintains the turgidity of the cells.
Magnesium is absorbed in the form of magnesium ion. It helps in the synthesis of chlorophyll like potassium. It activates the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Also, magnesium is essential for photolysis.
Calcium is another essential element that is needed by meristematic and differentiating tissue. Calcium is necessary for the formation of calcium pectate which is seen in the middle lamella of the cell wall in plants.
Sodium is not part of the essential elements that are needed by plants in large amounts.
Hence the correct option is A.

Note: We know that sodium is called a beneficial element for plants. Along with sodium, elements like silicon, cobalt, and selenium are also examples of beneficial elements.
Among essential elements, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are part of the structural components of the cell.