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Which one of the following is not an essential mineral element for plants while the remaining three are?
A
Cadmium
B
Phosphorus
C
Iron
D
Manganese
Detailed Solution
Seventeen elements are essential for plants: the macronutrients C, H, O, N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg and the micronutrients Fe, Mn, Cu, Mo, Zn, B, Cl, Ni.
Phosphorus is a macronutrient (a constituent of membranes, nucleic acids and ATP).
Iron and manganese are micronutrients (iron in cytochromes and ferredoxin; manganese in the splitting of water).
Cadmium is not in the list; it is a toxic heavy metal and has no essential role in plants.
Hence cadmium is not an essential mineral element.
Phosphorus is a macronutrient (a constituent of membranes, nucleic acids and ATP).
Iron and manganese are micronutrients (iron in cytochromes and ferredoxin; manganese in the splitting of water).
Cadmium is not in the list; it is a toxic heavy metal and has no essential role in plants.
Hence cadmium is not an essential mineral element.