Plant Nutrition Archives

Which one of the following elements is essential for the formation of chlorophyll in green plants?

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Calcium

Iron

Magnesium

Potassium

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2018

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Magnesium (Mg) is an essential element for the formation of chlorophyll. Each chlorophyll molecule contains a magnesium atom at the center of a porphyrin ring structure.

– Chlorophyll is the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light energy during photosynthesis.
– Its unique structure, with a central magnesium atom, is crucial for its function in capturing light.
– Deficiency of magnesium in plants leads to chlorosis, a yellowing of leaves, particularly between the veins, due to reduced chlorophyll production.

Calcium is important for cell wall structure and signaling. Iron is essential for enzyme activity in chlorophyll synthesis and electron transport, but it is not a structural component of chlorophyll itself. Potassium is important for osmoregulation, enzyme activation, and stomatal control. While all these elements are vital for plant health and growth, Magnesium is the specific element that is a constituent part of the chlorophyll molecule.