# Explain why plants need both nitrate ions and magnesium ions to grow healthily.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.8 Inorganic Ions · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Nitrate ions are needed to make / synthesise amino acids
2. Amino acids are used to make proteins
3. Without nitrate ions, plant growth is stunted / poor / plant cannot grow properly
4. Magnesium ions are needed to make chlorophyll
5. Without magnesium ions, the plant cannot photosynthesise efficiently / leaves turn yellow (chlorosis)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](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-plants-need-both-nitrate-cf243406) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.