Enlist any four mineral deficiency symptoms seen in plants.(b) Give the function of molybdenum as mineral nutrient.

Answer:

(a) Mineral deficiency symptoms:

1. Chlorosis: yellowing of leaves due to loss of chlorophyll (deficiency of N, K, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo).
2. Necrosis: death of tissue, especially leaf tissue (deficiency of Ca, Mg, Cu, K).
3. Stunted growth or inhibition of cell division (deficiency of N, K, S, Mo).
4. Premature fall of leaves and buds, and delay in flowering (deficiency of N, S, Mo).

(b) Molybdenum: it is a micronutrient absorbed as molybdate ions. It is a component of the enzymes nitrogenase and nitrate reductase, so it is essential for biological nitrogen fixation and for nitrate reduction, i.e. nitrogen metabolism.