Given below are two statements: Assertion (A): Nitrogen is vitally important plant nutrient. Reason (R): Nitrogen is the basic constituent of life.

Correct option is A

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient required in large quantities for normal growth and development of plants. It is a major component of proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll, which are vital for plant metabolism. Nitrogen is also considered the basic constituent of life because it forms the structural framework of living cells. Thus, the reason clearly explains why nitrogen is vitally important as a plant nutrient.
Information booster: Nitrogen plays a crucial role in vegetative growth, particularly in leaf and stem development of plants. Deficiency of nitrogen leads to poor growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced crop yield. Nitrogen is absorbed by plants mainly in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) ions. Efficient nitrogen management is essential for sustainable crop production and soil fertility maintenance.
Why other options are incorrect: (b) This option is incorrect because the reason directly explains the assertion. (c) This option is incorrect as both the assertion and reason are true. (d) This option is incorrect because neither the assertion nor the reason is false.