GCSE Biology · key term

Mineral ions

Definition

Charged forms of minerals needed in small quantities for processes such as growth.

Used by OCR

Specification B2.2b, B2.2f · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)

Dissolved food molecules, water and mineral ions are absorbed mainly from the intestines into the blood. Blood distributes them to cells: food molecules provide material for respiration, growth and repair; water is needed in cells and provides a medium for transport; and mineral ions are needed for healthy functioning. Urea is a different kind of substance to transport: it is a waste product, carried in the blood to the kidneys and removed in urine.
Revise: Substances transported
Electrically charged particles dissolved in soil water that plants require for healthy growth, such as nitrate and magnesium ions.
Revise: Water and mineral uptake

1
When explaining a root hair cell adaptation, link the feature to its effect: the long projection gives a large surface area, so more water and mineral ions can be absorbed at once.
2
State that water enters by osmosis but mineral ions are taken up by active transport. Do not say that roots actively transport water.
3
If mineral ions move from a lower concentration in the soil to a higher concentration in the root hair cell, describe this as movement against the concentration gradient and state that energy from respiration is required.

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