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Which of these is NOT one of the three criteria for calling an element essential?
AThe plant cannot complete its life cycle without it
BNo other element can perform the function of it
CThe element must be inorganic rather than organic
DThe element is directly involved in plant nutrition
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The element must be inorganic rather than organic
1. Three criteria decide whether an element counts as essential.
2. First, a plant cannot complete its life cycle without the element.
3. Second, no other element can perform the function of that element.
4. Third, the element is directly involved in plant nutrition.
5. Being inorganic appears nowhere in the three tests, so it is the odd one out.
6. Carbon is itself an essential macronutrient and is the defining element of organic compounds, which shows the inorganic condition cannot hold.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 31 "Soil and Plant Nutrition", section 31.1 Nutritional Requirements of Plants_
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