Minerals are taken by plants as ______________.
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nitrates
-
phosphates
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both (1) and (2)
-
none of these
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Plants absorb minerals from soil in ionic forms, primarily as nitrates (for nitrogen) and phosphates (for phosphorus). These are dissolved in soil water and enter through root hairs along with water uptake. Neither nitrates nor phosphates alone covers all mineral requirements.