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AQA GCSE · Question 01.6 · Bioenergetics
Suggest one reason why the leaves of the deadly nightshade plant have chlorosis.
Suggest one reason why the leaves of the deadly nightshade plant have chlorosis.
How to approach this question
Chlorosis is a condition where leaves produce insufficient chlorophyll, causing them to be yellow. Recall the factors needed for a plant to produce chlorophyll.
Full Answer
A lack of magnesium ions or a lack of light.
Chlorosis is the yellowing of leaves due to a lack of chlorophyll. The production of chlorophyll requires certain resources. A common cause of chlorosis is a deficiency of mineral ions in the soil, particularly magnesium, which is a key component of the chlorophyll molecule. Another possible cause is a lack of light, as light is a trigger for chlorophyll production.
Common mistakes
✗ Stating a lack of water or carbon dioxide. These are needed for photosynthesis but not directly for making chlorophyll.
✗ Stating a lack of chlorophyll - this is what chlorosis *is*, not the cause of it.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Biology Higher Tier Paper 1
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