Introduction to Organismal Biology (BIOL221) - Dr. S.G. Saupe; Biology Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Collegeville, MN 56321; ssaupe@csbsju.edu; http://www.employees.csbsju.edu/ssaupe/

Study Guide & Review for Plant Nutrients

I. Goal:  The goal of this unit is to provide a basic understanding of the nutrients required by plants and how they obtain them from the environment

II. Reading(s):  Chapter 37.2, 37.3

III.  Objectives:  Upon completion of this unit you should be able to:
 

1. Compare and contrast the �foods� required by plants and animals
2. Compare and contrast micronutrients and macronutrients
3. Use the following mnemonic to identify the elements required by plants: CHOPKNS caf� Mighty good, Closing.  Mob Coming with Machines. For each, (a) identify the main function(s); (b) the form way they enter the plant; (c) the form that they enter the plant.
4. Explain the function of an enzyme cofactor.
5. Explain what the three numbers on a fertilizer such as Osmocote, 14-14-14, represent.
6. Describe the function of mycorrhizae
7. Describe the process of nitrogen fixation.
8. Diagram and explain the nitrogen cycle
9. Compare and contrast how the following types of plants obtain their essential nutrient elements:  holo-parasite, hemi-parasite, epiphyte, mycotroph, carnivorous plants

IV.  Common Terms/Concepts (can you use the following terms/concepts conversationally?) 

• Autotroph
• Hetertroph
• Macronutrient
• Micronutrient
• Hydroponics
• Mycorhizae
• nitrogenase
• Nitrogen fixation
• Ammonification
• Denitrification
• Nitrification
• Rhizobium
• Holo-parasite
• Hemi-parasite
• Epiphyte
• Mycotroph
• Carnivorous plants

V. Activities (Some learning activities and tips for studying):

1. Make a concept map for the unit
2. Be sure to visit the Study Area of the textbook website

VI. Questions: After completing the activities, write any question(s) that you still have concerning the objectives or that pertain to related areas.  Check the text or other sources for the answers.  Or, contact me!

VII. Application: Write one or more ways in which you can immediately apply this information to your daily life.

VIII. Assessment: Meet with one or more members of the class to help assess that you have attained the objective and to help deepen your understanding of the material. Answer the questions at the end of the chapters. Write your own exam questions. Visit the text book web.