Question

Which process produces an inorganic compound that plants can easily use?

a. photosynthesis

b. nitrogen fixation

c. mycorrhization

d. Calvin cycle

Short answer

b. nitrogen fixation

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 Introduction

Bioenergetics pathway are important for plant growth and development. Minerals are the vital substances that are required for plant structure formation and overall development. Using inorganic compounds, plants produce organic molecules that are essential for the plant's growth and development.

Step-2 Explanation

Nitrogen fixation is the process of fixing atmospheric nitrogen from the air and from the ground which is assimilated in the roots in the form of nitrate (NO2-) and then nitrate is transported to all parts of the plant. Various microbes also help in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogens. Nitrogen is very much helpful for pigment and hormone production. Nitrogen is valuable for plants because it helps in their growth and also has a contribution to chlorophyll formation.

Photosynthesis is the production of organic molecules from inorganic substances.

Mycorrhization is the process of formation of Mycorrhiza on the roots.

Calvin cycle produces energy in the form of glucose. It does not produce inorganic molecules.

Step-3 Final answer

The correct option is (b).

NO2 is the inorganic compound produced by nitrogen fixation and plants can use it easily.