The Question is from neet-botany mineral-nutrition essential-elements, and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

A plant experiencing calcium deficiency shows necrotic spots on its leaves and stunted root growth. This is primarily because calcium:

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Plant nutrition and mineral deficiencies
 **Related Topics**: Plant cell structure, cell wall composition, membrane function
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of plant physiology and the roles of essential nutrients.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Calcium deficiency leads to necrotic spots on leaves and stunted root growth.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the symptoms: Necrotic spots (dead tissue) indicate cell damage, and stunted root growth suggests impaired cell division and elongation.
  Reasoning: These symptoms point to a disruption in processes requiring calcium.
 2. Consider the roles of calcium: Calcium is involved in various plant functions, including enzyme activation, chlorophyll synthesis, and structural roles.
  Working:  Let's evaluate each option:
        * **A:** Calcium is relatively immobile in plants.  It's primarily transported to actively growing tissues (meristems) in the young leaves and roots. Older leaves are more likely to show deficiency symptoms first.
        * **B:** While calcium can act as a cofactor for some enzymes, this is not its primary role in relation to the observed symptoms.
        * **C:** Calcium is not a direct component of chlorophyll.
        * **D:** Calcium plays a crucial role in cell wall pectin formation and stabilization, contributing to cell wall integrity and membrane permeability.  A deficiency compromises these structures, leading to cell damage and impaired growth.
 3. Determine the most likely cause: The symptoms directly correlate with the role of calcium in cell wall structure and membrane function.
  Result: Option D is the most accurate explanation for the observed symptoms.
  Verification: The symptoms align perfectly with the structural and functional roles of calcium in cell walls and membranes.  Deficiency in these areas would lead to the observed necrosis and stunted growth.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Calcium is a relatively immobile element in plants. Deficiency symptoms appear first in young leaves and roots.
B :x: While calcium has some enzymatic roles, it's not the primary reason for the observed symptoms.
C :x: Calcium is not a component of chlorophyll.
D ✓: Calcium is essential for cell wall integrity and membrane permeability. Its deficiency directly impacts cell structure and function, resulting in necrosis and stunted growth.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Confusing the mobility of calcium with its importance: Calcium's immobility makes it more likely to show deficiency symptoms in younger tissues. However, its importance in cell wall structure remains crucial. 
  2. Overlooking the structural role of calcium: Focusing only on calcium's enzymatic or chlorophyll-related roles might lead to an incorrect answer.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Remember the acronym ‘Ca’ (Calcium) and associate it with ‘cell wall’ and ‘cell membrane’.
  2.  Associate necrotic spots with cell damage and stunted growth with impaired cell division and elongation,  directly linking these to the structural role of calcium.

NISHANTH · Answer

Is a mobile element easily transported within the plant.

NISHANTH · Answer

Acts as an enzyme activator in various metabolic pathways.

NISHANTH · Answer

Is a component of chlorophyll and other photosynthetic pigments.

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Is crucial for cell wall integrity and membrane permeability."

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