Transport of Minerals

Minerals are absorbed from the soil along with water as they are dissolved in water. They are taken up in the ionic form. For example, potassium is taken up as K⁺ ions. They are transported through the xylem along with the water. Some of the mineral ions like the nitrates enter into the phloem along with the prepared food and are then transported along the phloem. From the xylem and the phloem, the minerals are taken in by the cells as per their requirement.

Most of the minerals, being in ionic form cannot go through the cell membranes. They enter the cells by active transport, that is, with the help of energy.

Model for Mineral Transport

The cells pump the hydrogen ions (protons) out by the ATP pump. This creates an ionic gradient (less positive ions inside and more positive ions outside the cell). The potassium ions (also positive) are now able to enter the cell along the concentration gradient.