Question

What is the role of potassium in plants?

Answer 1

Plants uptake several elements from the soil or surrounding which are essential for their growth and metabolism. These essential elements are absolutely necessary for normal growth and reproduction. In the absence of these elements plants do not complete their life cycle or set the seeds. Their deficiency can’t be replaced by other elements. Essential elements are further classified into four groups based on their diverse function.

Complete answer:
Potassium is one of the macro elements essential for the growth and metabolism of plants. It is absorbed in the form of ions $K^+$. It is required in more abundant quantities in the meristematic tissue, buds, growing leaves and root tips.
Role of potassium-
It helps to maintain an anion cation balance in cells.
It is involved in the process of translation (protein synthesis).
It helps in opening and closing of the stomata.
It helps in activation of enzymes.
It also takes part in the maintenance of turgidity of cells.
They play a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism.
Potassium is essential for translocation of sugar.

Note:
Essential elements are directly involved in the metabolism of the plants. The essential elements are divided into two parts based on their qualitative requirements – Macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are generally present in plant tissue in large amounts ( in excess of 10 mmol per kg of dry matter. Micronutrients are needed in very small amounts ( less than 10mmol per kg of dry matter). The concentration of essential elements below which plants growth is retarded is termed as critical concentration.