Question

Which of the following roles is not a criterion for essentiality of an element?

(a) In its absence, plants do not set seeds

(b) Irreplaceable by another element

(c) Indirectly involved in the metabolism of the plant

(d) Absolutely necessary for metabolism

I had been asked this question during an online interview.

Enquiry is from Mineral Requirements of a Plant-2 topic in section Mineral Nutrition of Biology – Class 11

Answer 1

Right choice is (c) Indirectly involved in the metabolism of the plant

To elaborate: The criteria of essentiality include:

i. The element must be absolutely necessary for supporting normal growth and reproduction. In the absence of the element, plants do not set the seeds.

ii. The element must be directly involved in the metabolism of the plant.

iii. The element must not be replaceable by another element.