OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of plant mineral deficiency.

To investigate the types of minerals that is important for the growth of the plant which is the

micronutrient and macronutrient.

To develop careful observing skills on the development changes occurred on Lemna leaves.

To develop certain experimental skills, namely working safely, producing valid results and

drawing valid conclusions from the results

PROBLEM STATEMENT

What is the effect of plant mineral deficiencies on Lemna plant or leaves?

EXPERIMENTAL HYPHOTHESIS

The experiment is conducted to investigate the grow of plant (Lemna sp) in petri dish with

different lack of deficiency mineral. Plant in the complete culture solution which has all the

nutrients required to produce the greater number of leaves and number of them also will

increase. While the poor growths of the plants are the highest in the lacking of macronutrient

minerals such as nitrogen, calcium and magnesium while little in other lacking of

micronutrient minerals.

NULL HYPHOTHESIS

There will be no difference in the physical qualities of Lemna sp immersed in normal

solution or other solution deficient in any mineral as the deficiency of plant mineral will not

affect the growth and development of the plants.

VARIABLES

Manipulated variables: Different type of mineral deficiency solution

Responding variables: The growth of Lemna sp.

Constant variables: Volume of culture solution (20 ml), type of Lemna sp., initial number of

leaflets for each culture solutions (5 leaflets).

INTRODUCTION

Plant required 16 elements which are vitals for growing and survival of the plant. It is divided

into two parts: non mineral and mineral. on-mineral part need by plant consists of the

hydrogen(H), Oxygen(o) and Carbon( C).All these non- minerals can be obtained from the

process of synthesis of carbohydrates by photosynthesis.Eventhough,plant can make its own

food by photosynthesis, plant still need other minerals which is essential for the healthy

growth.

In the other hand, Plants needs total 13 mineral nutrients for the growth. The elements

that are required or necessary for plants to complete their life cycle are called essential plant

nutrients. Each of these nutrients has a critical function in plants and is required in varying

amounts in plant tissue. When plants suffer from malnutrition, they show symptoms of being

unhealthy. Too little or too much of any one nutrient can cause problems. So the right amount

of the minerals is necessary.

Plant nutrients can be divided into two categories; macronutrient and micronutrient.

Macronutrients are major nutrients that are consumed at larger volumes compared to

micronutrients. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and nitrogen are examples of

macronutrient. Micronutrient or trace nutrient, are less required but they do help in the

development of plants. Iron, sodium and nickel in this category. Plants take up mineral in the

form of mineral ions through the process of root pressure in transpiration by active transport

Nitrogen's Role

Of the three major nutrients, plants require nitrogen in the largest amounts. Nitrogen

promotes rapid growth, increases leaf size and quality, hastens crop maturity, and promotes

fruit and seed development. Because nitrogen is a constituent of amino acids, which are

required to synthesize proteins and other related compounds, it plays a role in almost all plant

metabolic processes. Nitrogen is an integral part of chlorophyll manufacture through

photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process through which plants utilize light energy to

convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. Carbohydrates (sugars) provide

energy required for growth and development. Of all the elements required for crop

production, nitrogen poses the greatest environmental threat through contamination of surface

and ground water. Nitrogen fertilizer is available in both organic (manures) and inorganic

forms. The amount of nitrogen in organic sources varies with source material and its state of

decomposition. However, for commercial crop production, the following inorganic fertilizers

are primarily used: ammonium nitrate (33.5%N), potassium nitrate (13% N), sodium nitrate

(16% N), calcium nitrate (15.5% N), urea (46% N), mono-ammonium phosphate (18% N),

di-ammonium phosphate (46% N) and liquid nitrogen (30% N). Legume crops require little

or no nitrogen fertilizer. Beneficial bacteria that live in the roots of these plants capture

nitrogen from the atmosphere. This nitrogen is available for use by the plant. Nitrogen is also

used by microbes to break down organic matter.

Phosphorus' Role

Normal plant growth cannot be achieved without phosphorus. It is a constituent of

nucleic acids, phospholipids, the coenzymes DNA and NADP, and most importantly ATP. It

activates coenzymes for amino acid production used in protein synthesis; it decomposes

carbohydrates produced in photosynthesis; and it is involved in many other metabolic

processes required for normal growth, such as photosynthesis, glycolysis, respiration, and

fatty acid synthesis. It enhances seed germination and early growth, stimulates blooming,

enhances bud set, aids in seed formation, hastens maturity, and provides winter hardiness to

crops planted in late fall and early spring. The meristem region of growing plants is high in

phosphorus. The highest levels of phosphorus are found in soils where tobacco and vegetable

crops have been grown. High concentrations are also found in fields where heavy rates of

poultry litter have been applied.

Potassium's Role

Potassium has many functions in plant growth. It is essential for photosynthesis,

activates enzymes to metabolize carbohydrates for the manufacture of amino acids and

proteins, facilitates cell division and growth by helping to move starches and sugars between

plant parts, adds stalk and stem stiffness, increases disease resistance, increases drought

tolerance, regulates opening and closing of stomata, gives plumpness to grain and seed,

improves firmness, texture, size and colour of fruit crops, and increases the oil content of oil

crops. Although not an integral part of cell structure, potassium regulates many metabolic

processes required for growth, fruit and seed development. Many vegetable and fruit crops

are high in potassium, which is vital for animal and human nutrition. Indeed, the health and

survival of man and beast is dependent on potassium. The lowest amount of potassium is

found in sandy coastal plain soils where it is subject to leaching. The higher concentrations

are found in the clayey soils of the piedmont and mountain regions. High potassium is also

found in areas where animal and poultry wastes have been applied.

Calcium's Role

Calcium ions play a role in the permeability of membranes as they can combine pectin in

the middle lamella of plant to form calcium pectate in which holds cells together. It provides

elasticity and expansion of cell walls, which keeps growing points from becoming rigid and

brittle. Calcium also acts as a base for neutralizing organic acids generated during the

growing process and aids in carbohydrate translocation and nitrogen absorption. Indeed,

calcium deficiency symptoms appear in the meristem regions of leaves, stems and roots.

Younger leaves are affected first and are usually deformed. Roots on calcium-deficient plants

are short and stubby. In cases, the leaves hook downwards and exhibit marginal necrosis.

Magnesium's Role

Magnesium is a constituent of the chlorophyll molecule, which is the driving force of

photosynthesis. It is also essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates (sugars). It is an

enzyme activator in the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). It regulates uptake of the

other essential elements, serves as a carrier of phosphate compounds throughout the plant,

facilitates the translocation of carbohydrates (sugars and starches), and enhances the

production of oils and fats. Magnesium deficiency is most prevalent on sandy coastal plain

soils where the native magnesium content is low.

Sulphur’s Role

Sulphur is an essential component in the synthesis of amino acids required to

manufacture proteins. Sulphur is also required for production of chlorophyll and utilization of

phosphorus and other essential nutrients. Sulphur ranks equal to nitrogen for optimizing crop

yield and quality. It increases the size and weight of grain crops and enhances the efficiency

of nitrogen for protein manufacture. Crops that have a high nitrogen requirement must have

adequate sulphur to optimize nitrogen utilization. Sulphur increases yield and protein quality

of forage and grain crops along with production and quality of fibre crops.

Iron’s Role

Iron is essential for the formation of chlorophyll. Plants absorb iron as an ion through

their foliage as well as their roots. Uptake is strongly affected by pH. Chelated iron is readily

available for use by the plant; other forms of iron may be tied up in the soil.

USESDEFICIENCY

P nucleic acid, phospholipid, reproduction, ATPstunted, dark leaves, necrotic spots, anthocyanin

in stem and leaves, thin weak stem

K ion balance, respiration enzymes

marginal chlorosis, necrosis at tips and edges,

curled/crinkled leaves, old leaves first, short

weak stems, susceptible to diseases

N amino acids, nucleic acids

stunted, chlorosis of older leaves, abscission,

thin stems with lignin or anthocyanin as "sink"

for photosynthate

S cysteine, methionine, CoA, etc. chlorosis of young leaves first

Ca enzyme cofactor, cyclosis, pectinshooked leaves, necrosis of young meristems,

severe stunting as meristems die

Fe cytochromes in respiration, enzymes chlorosis between veins on young leaves first

Mg chlorophyll element, enzyme cofactorchlorosis between veins on older leaves first,

early abscission

Table 1.1 shows Summary from nutrient needed for plant taken from

http://plantphys.info/plant_physiology/minerals.shtml

Lemna sp

Lemma is small, free-floating aquatic water plants found in ponds. It is from the Duckweed

family. Lemma plants reproduce asexually by vegetative propagation, where two daughter

plants bud off from the adult plant. When they are big enough, they will separate from the

mother leaf and can reproduce it. Sometimes, Lemma plants can have up to 3 or 4 buds. This

form of growth is a very rapid colonisation of new water. Duckweeds are flowering plants,

nearly all of them known to reproduce sexually, flowering, and producing seed under

appropriate conditions. Like normal plants, they grow through a process called

photosynthesis where they can use sunlight, minerals, carbon dioxide and water synthesise

the food they need. Lemna has been used for testing toxicity of certain chemicals. Lemna can

be transformed by molecular biologist to express proteins of pharmaceutical interest. Lemna

are genetically engineered to produce in the growth medium at high yield, and thus reduce the

manufacturing costs. It is easily grown in garden ponds, where it removes excess nutrients

from water and providing sheds to inhibit algae growth. Their high fat and protein content

makes them a source of food for animals and poultry.

Diagram 1.1 shows from Duckweed photo - www.cmuscmr.cmu.edu.

USES

Lemna has been used for testing toxicity of certain chemicals. Lemna can be transformed by

molecular biologist to express proteins of pharmaceutical interest. Lemna are genetically

engineered to produce in the growth medium at high yield, and thus reduce the manufacturing

costs. It is easily grown in garden ponds, where it removes excess nutrients from water and

providing sheds to inhibit algae growth. Their high fat and protein content makes them a

source of food for animals and poultry.

APPARATUS

Forceps, sticker and marker pens for labelling, Petri dishes, measuring cylinder, Petri dish

covers.

MATERIALS

A range of nutrient solutions, including solutions with: all nutrients present, lacking nitrogen,

N, lacking phosphate, P, lacking potassium, K, lacking magnesium, Mg, lacking calcium, Ca,

lacking iron, Fe, lacking sulphur, S, lacking all nutrients (distilled water), Lemna sp

METHODOLOGY

1. Nine Petri dishes were rinsed with water and wiped dry.

2. They are labelled in match with the type of culture solutions used, respectively.

3. All the Petri dishes were filled with 20 ml of culture solution respectively.

4. As much as five single Lemna (if single was used) was chosen and scattered into each Petri

dish that already filled with the solution.

5. The Petri dishes were covered on with lid.

6. All the Petri dishes were arranged in a tray and put under a shed along the corridor.

7. All the specimens were left for 10 days and observation was made for every two subsequent

days in interval.

8. The colour and size was observed specifically whereas the number of leaves and number of

plant were calculated and data obtained was tabulated for comparison.

RESULT

Nutrient Solution Total Number of Leaflets

Day 1 Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 Day 10

All minerals present 5 6 8 9 9 8

No minerals present 5 8 9 9 9 7

Lacking

Iron

5 7 8 8 8 7

Lacking Potassium 5 7 6 7 8 8

Lacking

Magnesium

5 6 7 8 9 9

Lacking

Nitrates

5 7 8 7 8 8

Lacking Phosphates 5 7 7 8 8 8

Lacking

Calcium

5 5 4 4 4 4

Lacking Sulphates 5 9 9 9 9 9

Table 1.2: observations on the number of leaves of Lemna

Solution Day 1 Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 Day 10

All

nutrients

present

Green Green Green with

white spots

Green with

white spots

Green with

white spots

Green

with

white

spots

Lacking

calcium

Green Slightly

bleached

Completely

bleached

Completely

bleached

Completely

bleached

Dead

Lacking

iron

Green Green

with

yellow

spots

Green with

yellow

spots

Green with

yellow

spots

Green with

yellow

spots

Less

green

Lacking

potassium

Green Green 1 yellow, 3

green

Mostly

green with

white spots

Mostly

green with

white spots

Some

white,

some

green

Lacking

magnesium

Green Green Green with

white spots

Green with

white spots

Green with

more white

spots

Some

are

bleached

Lacking

nitrogen

Green Green Some

slightly

yellow

Some

slightly

yellow

Green with

white spots

Green

with

white

spots

Lacking

phosphorus

Green Green Green Green Green with

little white

spots

Green

with

little

white

spots

Lacking

sulfur

Green Green Green with

few white

spots

Green with

white spots

Pale green Pale

green

Lacking all

nutrients

Green Slightly

bleached

Slightly

bleached

All

bleached

All

bleached

All

bleached

Table 1.3: observations on the colour of Lemna leaves

Table 1.5: observations on the general growth of Lemna plants

Solution Day 1 Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 Day 10

All Normal Large Larger Larger Larger Larger

Lacking nutrient in culture solution

Growth of Lemma plant

Day 1 Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 Day 10have all

nutrient

Increase increase increase increase increase increase

calcium Increase increase decrease decrease Dead Dead

iron Increase increase increase increase Increase increase

potassium Increase increase increase increase Increase increase

magnesium Increase increase increase increase Increase increase

nitrogen Increase increase increase increase Decrease decrease

phosphorus Increase increase increase increase Increase increase

sulphur Increase increase increase increase Increase increase

no nutrient Increase increase increase increase Decrease decrease

nutrients presentLacking calcium

Normal Larger Larger Smaller / shrink

Smaller / shrink

Dead

Lacking iron

Normal Slightly larger

Slightly larger

Larger Larger Larger

Lacking potassium

Normal Larger Larger Larger Larger Larger

Lacking magnesium

Normal Larger Smaller /shrink

Smaller /shrink

Smaller /shrink

Smaller /shrink

Lacking nitrate

Normal Larger Larger Larger Larger Smaller /shrink

Lacking phosphorus

Normal Slightly larger

Slightly larger

Slightly larger

Slightly larger

Slightly larger

Lacking sulfate

Normal Larger Larger Larger Larger Larger

Lacking all nutrients

Normal Smaller /shrink

Smaller /shrink

Smaller /shrink

Smaller /shrink

Smaller /shrink

Table 1.5: observations on the shape of Lemna leaves

DISCUSSION

From the results, it is obvious that the lacking of iron has the least effect on the growth of

Lemna plants whereas the lacking of calcium has the most effect on the growth of Lemna

plants. This is because at the end of our observation, we found out that there is 4 Lemna

leaves left after 10 days for nutrient solution lacking calcium whereas there are 7 Lemna

leaves remaining for nutrient solution lacking iron. This means that iron is most probably a

micronutrient for the Lemna plant while for calcium, it is the macronutrient. Therefore,

calcium is one of the most important nutrients required by plants. 

The lacking of nitrogen can cause chlorosis because nitrogen is essential for the formation of

amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the pigment that keeps the plants green

in colour. The loss of chlorophyll can cause the colour of the leaves to turn yellow and

eventually decolourises. Furthermore, the growths of plants are retarded due to the lack of

protein which is essential for growth. Furthermore, the roots are also reducing in size and

dying. At the end of our observation, we found out that the leaflets decolourised and started

to decompose and there aren’t any roots visible. Magnesium is another vital component of

chlorophyll in plants. It is located in the central region of porphyrin head of chlorophyll,

where 4 nitrogen atoms are bonded to it. 

This is a type of chlorophyll exist in every plant that shows the location of magnesium and

nitrogen inside it. Magnesium has variable oxidation states and can donate or accept

electrons. From the molecular formula shown, it is obvious that magnesium and nitrogen are

essential parts of chlorophyll. Without magnesium, chlorosis will also occur where the colour

of the leaves can turn yellow and eventually decolourised. 

For the culture solution without iron minerals, the Lemna plants are not very much affected.

The plants even thrive in this condition and the number of leaves even greater than the plants

in complete culture solution although the size of leaves and roots are smaller. This shows that

the presence of iron may be needed by the plants in very small quantity but it can survive for

a long time without it. However, some yellow spots are noted on young leaves due to

chlorosis. This is most probably because iron still has some minor roles in the formation of

chlorophyll besides responsible for the respiration and metabolism of the plant. Iron is a

component of ferredoxin (iron sulphur proteins) that mediates electron transfer in light

dependent reactions in plants. 

We also found out that there is no more Lemna plant survives in the nutrient solution lacking

calcium. Calcium plays the role in forming calcium pectate that function to hold the cells

together and also to form cell wall. So, without calcium, maybe the cell wall of the cells

cannot be formed perfectly thus the content of the cells will be leaking out. This can be

proven from our observation where the colour of the nutrient solution lacking calcium has

turned slightly green due to the leaking of the cell contents.

LIMITATIONS

In this experiment, there are still a few limitations can be detected that affects the experiment

and might cause the data to be different from its original value and thus, affecting the

reliability of the experiment.

Plant may be infected earlier before the experiment or their growth may be affected by other

factors. Besides that, the plant also may not get enough carbon dioxide because the plant was

covered with petri dish. So when many leaves have been produced, the demand for carbon

dioxide will be increase and this will affect their growth.

In addition, light intensity may not be constant because weather patterns always changing. As

on a rainy day, there may be no existence of sunlight and it will cause the nutrient solution in

the petri dishes can dry out at different rates. Furthermore, Carbon dioxide concentration and

temperature can also fluctuate due to changing weather patterns. Besides, each plant has its

own rate of photosynthesis. They have period where the activity of photosynthesis is very

high, usually in the afternoon and a period of low photosynthesis rate, usually at dawn.

The concentration of all the solutions are unknown and because of that it is fair to assume

that maybe some of the solutions have created a toxic environment to the Lemna plants. Thus

this results in the opposite phenomenon of mineral deficiency that is mineral toxicity or on

the simple words, excess of nutrients. This kind of accident also contributes to the abnormal

growth of plant.

There are many species of lemna and those many in size and features. Although in this

experiment we used only a species of lemna, the species is not really compatible with the

experiment. The observation of the lemna was hard to detect and this is due to limited

knowledge of the species. As a result, we spend more time to really observe the lemna

because it was too small and sometime there were some error occurs during the observation.

The Petri dishes are rinsed with water and wiped dry to prevent the fungal or bacterial

contamination. The contamination may damage the plant or making the plants deprived of

nutrients. Ensure that the Lemna plants do not adhere to the wall of the cover. If it is stick to

the wall of the cover, use a sterilised forceps to transfer it back to the nutrient solution. Avoid

finger from touching the nutrient solution and the plant to prevent contamination. After a few

days of observations, some water droplets may be found condensed on the cover. Wipe the

cover dry to give a clearer observation.

IMPROVEMENT

The experiment can be further improved by adding the nutrients solution whenever it has

lessened. This is to ensure the continuity supply of nutrients to the plants and the effect

appear on the plant growth is not affected by other mineral deficiency and it should be

affected alone by only one particular minerals. Greater number of plants should be used at the

initial experiment as better result can be obtained from a bigger size of the sample. Besides,

observation should be made under a microscope to detect any small chlorosis or necrosis

spots appear on the plant tissues.

A high resolution photograph could be taken everyday within the observation period as to be

aware to any changes that occur and also could be used for future reference and in comparing

it with one another. The experiment also could be conducted in a greenhouse to have better

control on the humidity and temperature factors that might affect the reliability of the results

obtained.

MEDICATION AND FURTHER WORKS

Other method that can be used to investigate the effects of plant minerals deficiencies is by

using different concentrations of minerals. For example, by using different range

concentrations of nitrogen ion and then observe the effects on the plants for a given period of

time. Also, when observe the colour of the leaves, magnifying lens can be used to obtain

bigger image. Light microscope can also be used to observe the colour of the pigments

contained on the leaves. This method also will lower the chance of miscount of the leaves.

The area of the Petri dishes were placed also need to be increases. The readings should also

be taken more than once to obtain the average as well as decrease the chance of error. Instead

of rinsing the Petri dishes with distilled water, it can be sterilized by boiling it but more work

has to be done.

Safety Precautions

The use of lab coat is important as to prevent clothes from being stained by the solutions

Delicate and fragile apparatus like beaker, measuring cylinder and the petri dish are also

taken into account during conducting the experiment

Be extra cautious when using sharp objects such as forceps when selecting and transferring

the Lemma plant into the petri dish containing nutrient solutions.

The nutrient solution must not be contaminated to ensure no other substances that consume

the particular nutrient. This will affect the growth of the lemma.

The solution must be closed properly with the cover to enhance the protection of the solution

All petri dishes must receive equal amount of sunlight. This is important to make sure the

light intensity is not the manipulating factors in this experiment and the location where all the

petri dishes were placed must also be fixed also based on the same reason.

Make sure the observation made based on average calculation. This will increase the

accuracy of the data. For instance, when we count the total number of leaves in a petri dish,

the counting should be done two or three times and get the average

The number of plantlets must be correctly recorded because there are new plantlets that are

very tiny and hard to find. All the lemma should not too close to each other to prevent

miscalculation.

Ensure that the Lemma plants do not adhere to the wall of the cover. If it is stick to the wall

of the cover, use a sterilised forceps to transfer it back to the nutrient solution.

Avoid finger from touching the nutrient solution and the plant to prevent contamination.

CONCLUSION

Mineral deficiencies in plants show different symptoms for particular mineral nutrients and it

affects the plant growth. Each of these mineral nutrients is essential for plants growth and has

its own function keeping the plants alive aand lacking of macronutrient minerals shows most

vice versa with lacking of micronutrient minerals. Experimental hypothesis is accepted.

REFERENCE

1. Plant nutrient- www.ncagr.gov/ cyber/kidswrld- accessed at 9 March 2012

2. Duckweed photo - www.cmuscmr.cmu.edu. - accessed at 9 March 2012

3. aquatics lemna - www.rook.org - accessed at 9 March 2012

4. programmes documents Duckweeds - www.ceh.ac.uksci- accessed at 10 March 2012

5. Edexcel AS Biology, Pearson Education Limited, 2008 - accessed at 10 March 2012

6. Campbell and Reece Biology Eighth edition, pg. 236 - accessed at 10 March 2012

MINERAL NUTRIENTS DEFICIENCY IN PLANTS

BY

NAME : ABDUL RAHMAN BIN MOHAMED

STUDENT ID : 2011894958

IC NUMBER : 930319-01-6807

LECTURER : SIR MOHD HAFIZ BIN ROTHI