Question

16 Which one of the following is correctly matched? (a) Passive transport of nutrients - ATP (b) Macroelement - Fe (c) Tank Hydroponics-Gericke (d) Denitrification - Beijerinckia

Short answer

The correctly matched pair is (c) Tank Hydroponics-Gericke, as William Frederick Gericke pioneered the tank hydroponics method.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Concepts

Firstly, analyze each option with the correct scientific concepts. Passive transport does not require ATP; it is an active transport that does. Macroelements are the elements required by plants in larger quantities, while Fe is a microelement. Research about Tank Hydroponics to find its origin and check if Gericke is associated with it. Lastly, investigate which bacteria are involved in denitrification.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

By knowing the correct concepts: (a) is incorrect because ATP is not used in passive transport. (b) is incorrect because iron (Fe) is a microelement rather than a macroelement. Verify the accuracy of (c) and (d) by checking factual information about the originator of Tank Hydroponics and the bacteria involved in denitrification.

Confirming Correct Match

Tank Hydroponics was indeed developed by William Frederick Gericke. Denitrification is a process involving various bacteria that convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, and Beijerinckia is one of those bacteria.

Key concepts

Passive Transport

Passive transport refers to the movement of molecules across a biological membrane without the need for energy expenditure by the cell. Unlike active transport, which requires adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to function, passive transport capitalizes on the natural motion of particles from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration, known as diffusion.

In the realm of hydroponics, where plant roots are submerged in nutrient solutions, passive transport plays a crucial role in allowing the absorption of nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which are needed for plant growth. Since no energy is required, this process is efficient for the plants to receive the nutrients freely available in the surrounding solution.

Importance of Passive Transport in Hydroponics

Hydroponic systems are designed to provide an optimal environment for passive transport, ensuring the roots have access to balanced nutrient concentrations which can be absorbed without cellular energy consumption.

Macroelements and Microelements

Plants require various elements for their growth and development, categorized into macroelements and microelements based on the quantity needed. Macroelements are those required by the plant in larger quantities and include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). These are the foundational building blocks of plant tissues and are integral to processes such as photosynthesis and protein synthesis.

Microelements, also known as trace elements, are needed in smaller quantities but are equally essential for the well-being of the plant. These include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). They often act as cofactors in enzymatic reactions, helping in vital functions like nitrogen fixation and chlorophyll formation.

Nutrient Balancing in Hydroponics

In hydroponics, careful monitoring of these elements is crucial as an imbalance can hinder plant growth, leading to deficiencies or toxicities. Ensuring that both macro and microelements are available in the right proportions is key to a successful hydroponic garden.

Tank Hydroponics

Tank Hydroponics is a subset of hydroponic farming in which plants are grown in a water tank or reservoir instead of in soil. The pioneer of tank hydroponics is Dr. William Frederick Gericke, who conducted extensive research in the 1920s to 1930s, proving that plants could thrive in a soilless environment when provided with the right balance of nutrients dissolved in water.

This method allows for precise control over the plant’s environment, resulting in faster growth and potentially higher yields. It’s a highly efficient way to deliver nutrients and water directly to the plant roots, eliminating the inefficiencies and diseases associated with soil-based cultivation.

Advantages of Tank Hydroponics

Tank hydroponics systems are popular due to their simplicity, space efficiency, and reduced water usage. They are ideal for urban settings or areas with poor soil quality and have revolutionized the way we think about plant cultivation.

Denitrification Process

Denitrification is an essential part of the nitrogen cycle, a natural process occurring in soil and water where bacteria convert nitrates (NO3-) into nitrogen gas (N2), which is then released back into the atmosphere. This process is critical for maintaining soil health and preventing the accumulation of excess nitrates, which can leach into waterways and cause eutrophication.

Specific bacteria, such as Beijerinckia, play a role in this process along with others like Pseudomonas and Clostridium. In the context of hydroponics, managing the denitrification process is vital as it can influence the availability of nitrogen, an essential macroelement, for the plants.

Controlling Denitrification in Hydroponics

To optimize plant nutrition, hydroponic systems must be carefully monitored to prevent unwanted denitrification by managing the aeration and pH levels of the nutrient solution to discourage these bacteria's activity, thus ensuring plants have access to adequate amounts of nitrogen for their growth.