Essential elements are involved in performing variety of functions in plants. Some of the major functions are listed below
(i) Frame work elements Essential elements as components of biomolecules and hence
are structural elements of the cell. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are considered as
framework elements because they constitute carbohydrates which form cell wall.
(ii) Protoplasmic elements N, P and S are considered as protoplasmic elements as they form protoplasm along with C, H and oxygen.
(iii) Catalytic enzyme Essential elements that activates or inhibit enzymes, i.e., without the presence of these elements some enzymes can not function e.g., Mg2+ acts as an activator for both ribulose biphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEP carboxylase).
(iv) Balancing elements Elements counteract the toxic effect of other minerals by causing lonic balance (e.g. calcium, magnesium and potassium)
(v) Influencing on the osmotic pressure of the cell Some essential element is alters the potential of the cell. Plant cells contain dissolved mineral elernents in the cell influencing osmotic pressure of the cell, e.g. K is involved in opening and closing stomata
