Question

Boron in green plants assists in

• A. Activation of enzymes
• B. Acting as enzyme co-factor
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Sugar transport

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Boron is an essential micronutrient for plants and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. The correct answer to this question is "Sugar transport."

1. Role of Boron: Boron is involved in the formation and stability of plant cell walls. It is essential for cell division and growth, and it aids in the movement of sugars and other nutrients within the plant. Specifically, boron predominantly supports the phloem mobility of sugars.
2. Sugar Transport: Sugar transport in plants involves the movement of photosynthetically produced sugars from the leaves (photosynthesis site) to other parts of the plant where it's needed or stored. Boron helps in maintaining the structural integrity of the phloem, which is the tissue responsible for transporting sugars throughout the plant.
3. Eliminating Other Options:
   • Activation of enzymes: While boron is related to enzyme actions, it is more specifically linked to sugar transport.
   • Acting as an enzyme co-factor: Boron is not directly involved as a co-factor for enzymes, unlike minerals like zinc or magnesium.
   • Photosynthesis: Although boron plays a role in plant health, it is not directly involved in the photosynthesis process compared to elements like magnesium which is a central atom in chlorophyll.
4. Conclusion: Given the above reasoning, it's clear that the most accurate role of boron in green plants related to the options provided is assisting in sugar transport.