The Question is from neet-botany mineral-nutrition , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

A researcher is studying ion uptake in plant roots using radioactive tracers. They observe that metabolic inhibitors significantly reduce the uptake of potassium ions, but not the uptake of chloride ions. What can be inferred about the uptake mechanisms of these two ions?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Ion transport mechanisms in plant cells (active vs. passive transport)
 **Related Topics**: Membrane transport, metabolic inhibitors, potassium channels, chloride channels
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of active and passive transport, the role of ATP in cellular processes.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Metabolic inhibitors reduce potassium ion uptake but not chloride ion uptake.
  Radioactive tracers are used to track ion movement.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the effect of metabolic inhibitors.
  Reasoning: Metabolic inhibitors block energy-dependent processes.  Since potassium uptake is reduced by these inhibitors, it suggests an energy-requiring process.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, but understanding of active and passive transport is crucial.
 2. Compare potassium and chloride uptake.
  Working: Potassium uptake is sensitive to metabolic inhibitors, while chloride uptake is not. This indicates different mechanisms.
  Key Point: Active transport requires energy (ATP), while passive transport does not.
 3. Infer the transport mechanisms.
  Result: Potassium uptake is likely active transport (requires energy), while chloride uptake is likely passive or facilitated diffusion (does not require direct energy input).
  Verification: The experimental results directly support this conclusion. The reduction in potassium uptake with metabolic inhibitors is consistent with an active transport process.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: Potassium uptake is primarily active, while chloride uptake may be passive or facilitated. This aligns perfectly with the experimental observations and the understanding of ion transport mechanisms in plants. 
B :x: This option incorrectly suggests that both ions utilize active transport.  The experiment shows that only potassium uptake is affected by metabolic inhibitors.
C :x: This option incorrectly suggests that both ions use passive transport.  The experiment clearly shows that potassium uptake is energy-dependent.
D :x: This option incorrectly suggests that chloride uptake is active and potassium uptake is passive or facilitated. The experiment shows the opposite.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing active and passive transport:  Remembering that active transport requires energy (ATP) and passive transport does not is key.
  2.Overlooking the role of metabolic inhibitors:  Metabolic inhibitors specifically target energy-dependent processes. Their effect on ion uptake provides crucial information about the transport mechanism.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.If a process is inhibited by metabolic inhibitors, it's likely active transport.
  2.Passive transport includes simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion.  Facilitated diffusion uses membrane proteins but doesn't directly require ATP.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Potassium uptake is primarily active, while chloride uptake may be passive or facilitated."

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Both potassium and chloride uptake are primarily active processes.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Both potassium and chloride uptake are primarily passive processes.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Chloride uptake is primarily active, while potassium uptake may be passive or facilitated.

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