MHT CET Medical202624 April 2026Evening ShiftBiologyTransport in PlantsActual
Which type of mineral absorption shows a sudden drop when the roots are deprived of oxygen?
Options
- APassive absorption by direct ion-exchange.
- BPassive absorption by mass flow.
- CDonnan equilibrium.
- DActive Absorption.
Correct answer
D. Active Absorption.
Step-by-step solution
Mineral absorption in plants can occur via passive or active processes. Passive absorption does not require metabolic energy and includes mechanisms like direct ion-exchange, mass flow, and Donnan equilibrium. These processes are not directly dependent on oxygen availability. Active absorption requires metabolic energy in the form of ATP, which is primarily generated through aerobic respiration. When roots are deprived of oxygen, aerobic respiration ceases, leading to a sudden drop in ATP production. Consequently,