Question

Which of the following factors does Passive absorption of minerals depend on?
A) Humidity
B) Temperature
C) Temperature and metabolic inhibitor
D) Metabolic inhibitor

Answer 1

Absorption of ions without the use of metabolic energy is known as passive absorption. It is a physical process.

Complete answer:
Passive absorption of minerals is a very slow biological process.process. It is the movement of minerals into the cell or tissue without the expenditure of energy. It depends on physical factors as it is a physical phenomenon. Passive absorption will only take place if there is a presence of a concentration gradient. High concentration of minerals has high pressure as well as low temperature. All these factors contribute to the flow of minerals from high concentration to low concentration.
Humidity is the concentration of water vapor present in the air. The amount of water vapor needed to achieve saturation increases as the temperature increases.
A metabolic inhibitor is a molecule that binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity. It binds to enzymes' active sites. Metabolic inhibitors reduce the compatibility of substrates. It participates in active absorption, so it does not play a role in passive absorption of minerals.
Passive absorption of minerals is directly related to temperature because with an increase in temperature, the kinetic energy of mineral ions participating in the absorption increases which further results in the increased rate of the passive diffusion of minerals through cells. Hence, passive salt absorption

Thus, the correct answer is option B (Temperature).

Note: At temperatures between 15-25°C the absorption of water and minerals is maximum. Cold soils are also physiologically dry and contain less minerals for absorption. Absorption of mineral salts depends on these factors as well.