Question

A plant requires magnesium for

• A. protein synthesis
• B. chlorophyll synthesis
• C. cell wall development
• D. holding cells together.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Magnesium is an essential mineral nutrient that plays critical roles in plant growth and development. Let's explore why magnesium is required for each of the following options:

1. Protein synthesis: While magnesium is involved in various enzymatic reactions and helps stabilize RNA, it is not primarily used for protein synthesis in plants.
2. Chlorophyll synthesis: Magnesium is a vital component of the chlorophyll molecule, which is essential for photosynthesis. Without magnesium, plants cannot synthesize chlorophyll, and photosynthesis would be impaired. This is why magnesium is directly linked to chlorophyll synthesis.
3. Cell wall development: Cell wall development primarily involves cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, for which calcium is more directly involved. Thus, magnesium is not a primary component in cell wall development.
4. Holding cells together: This function is also more related to calcium, as it plays a critical role in stabilizing cell walls and membranes through calcium pectate.

Conclusion: The correct answer is that magnesium is essential for chlorophyll synthesis. This is because magnesium is a central atom in the chlorophyll molecule, crucial for the photosynthetic process in plants.