Minerals and Nutrients

Land plants obtain carbon directly from the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis. Other elements like nitrogen and phosphorus are primarily absorbed from the soil.

Ferredoxins are iron-sulfur proteins that act as electron carriers in various metabolic processes, most notably in the light reactions of photosynthesis. The name is derived from 'ferrum', the Latin word for iron.

The middle lamella is the outermost layer of the plant cell wall that glues adjacent cells together. It is primarily composed of calcium and magnesium pectates.

Micronutrients are essential elements required by plants in very small quantities. Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient, while Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are macronutrients required in larger amounts.

Plants primarily absorb iron from the soil in the form of ferric ions (Fe3+). While some plants can reduce it to the ferrous form (Fe2+) for easier uptake or metabolic use, the ferric form is the standard state for absorption in most soil conditions.

Magnesium is the central metallic atom in the chlorophyll molecule, making it structurally essential. Iron is not part of the chlorophyll structure itself but is a critical cofactor for the enzymes that catalyze its biosynthesis.

Potassium (K) is not a structural component of any organic compound in plants, but it acts as a vital activator for over 60 enzymes. It also plays a key role in maintaining osmotic balance and stomatal movement.

Potassium is essential for plant health because it activates numerous enzymes that regulate metabolic processes like protein synthesis and photosynthesis. It also maintains cell turgor and regulates the opening and closing of stomata.

Micronutrients are required by plants in very small quantities, but they are just as essential for growth and reproduction as macronutrients. A deficiency in a micronutrient can lead to severe physiological disorders or death.

During dehydration, the lose of electrolyte (sodium chloride) takes place from the body.

Nitrogen is an essential component for plant growth. Nitrogen deficiency most often results in stunted growth, slow growth, and chlorosis. Nitrogen deficient plants will also exhibit a purple appearance on the stems, petioles and underside of leaves from an accumulation of anthocyanin pigements.

Essential plant nutrients are categorized as macronutrients and micronutrients. Zinc, Copper, and Boron are recognized essential micronutrients, whereas Sodium is generally considered a beneficial element rather than an essential one for most plants.

Milk is a rich source of calcium and proteins, and it contains small amounts of potassium. However, it is notoriously poor in iron content.

Sea kelp is a type of seaweed that absorbs minerals from seawater, making it a very rich natural source of iodine.

Brown algae, such as kelp, are the primary natural source of iodine, which they concentrate from seawater. Iodine was historically produced commercially from the ash of burned seaweed. This makes marine algae a critical source for this essential element.