# Explain why a plant with a deficiency of magnesium ions would eventually die.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 6.1 Photosynthesis · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Magnesium ions are needed to make chlorophyll
2. Without magnesium ions, chlorophyll cannot be made, so photosynthesis cannot occur / rate of photosynthesis decreases
3. Without photosynthesis, glucose / carbohydrates cannot be produced
4. Without glucose the plant cannot respire to release energy / cannot grow or repair cells, leading to death

## Key terms

- [magnesium ions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/magnesium-ions)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-plant-with-a-8197d663) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.