Which element is essential for protein synthesis in plants?

Concept

Proteins are polymers of amino acids, and amino acids contain amino groups that require nitrogen.

In plants, nitrogen is a primary macronutrient and a constituent of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll.

Application

Among the listed elements, nitrogen is the one directly incorporated into the amino acids from which plant proteins are assembled. Therefore, the required element is nitrogen.

Contrast

• Copper mainly acts as a micronutrient cofactor in redox enzymes and electron-transfer reactions.

• Magnesium is chiefly the central atom of chlorophyll and also activates many enzymes.

• Iron mainly supports electron-transfer proteins and chlorophyll formation, but it is not a general structural constituent of amino acids.

Cross-check

If a plant lacks nitrogen, it cannot make enough amino acids and proteins, so growth becomes stunted and older leaves commonly turn pale. This independently confirms nitrogen.