Mineral ion

Definition

A charged particle formed from a mineral substance; plants absorb mineral ions such as nitrate from their surroundings.

Used by Edexcel and OCR

Specification 8.1 · Paper 2

A dissolved, electrically charged particle needed as a nutrient for healthy growth and normal cell functions.
Water and mineral ions enter through the roots. Xylem carries them from the roots towards the stems and leaves. Water is needed for photosynthesis and helps keep cells turgid, supporting the plant.
Revise: Transport Needs

Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)

1
Do not list mineral ions as reactants in the photosynthesis word equation: plants need them for other functions, including making proteins.
2
Do not say that mineral ions enter by osmosis. Osmosis describes the movement of water.

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Producers also need mineral ions to build and maintain their cells. These ions are not reactants in the photosynthesis equation.

A charged particle needed by plants for growth, such as a nitrate ion used to make proteins.

An electrically charged form of an element or group of elements; plants absorb mineral ions such as nitrate from the soil.