Correct option is C
The correct answer is (c) Nitrogen.
· Nitrogen is an essential element for plants and plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and other vital compounds.
· It is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and is also a part of chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis.
· Nitrogen is absorbed by plants primarily in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) or ammonium (NH₄⁺) ions from the soil.
· A deficiency of nitrogen in plants can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves (chlorosis), and reduced crop yield.
Information Booster:
Potassium:
· Potassium is essential for regulating various physiological processes in plants, such as water uptake, enzyme activation, and stomatal function.It helps in the transport of nutrients and is crucial for overall plant health, but it is not directly involved in protein synthesis.
Magnesium:
· Magnesium is a central component of the chlorophyll molecule, which is vital for photosynthesis.
· It also acts as a cofactor for many enzymes in plants, but it is not primarily used in protein synthesis.
Phosphorus:
· Phosphorus is essential for energy transfer in plants and is a key component of ATP, nucleic acids, and phospholipids.
· It is crucial for root development and flowering, but like potassium and magnesium, it is not directly involved in the synthesis of proteins.