title: Plant nutrition 1: membrane transport and energetics, potassium nutrition, and sodium toxicity.
abstract: In this first of three lessons spanning the topic of Plant Nutrition, we examine primarily the energetics and mechanisms of nutrient uptake and transport. These processes are particularly well illustrated by an examination of the essential nutrient potassium (K), and the closely related element sodium (Na). We also examine the challenges associated with providing plants with sufficient K to support vigorous growth, and the detrimental effects of sodium accumulation in soils. Finally, we examine efforts to improve the salinity tolerance of crop plants.
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D005308:Fertilizers; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects; D010944:Plants / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D054712:Salinity; D012964:Sodium / Q000633:toxicity*; D012987:Soil; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005308:Fertilizers; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D012987:Soil; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium