Magnesium for the plant: a guarantee of photosynthesis
Magnesium (Mg)
For the plant – a guarantee of photosynthesis.
In the plant organism magnesium is a component of the photosynthetic pigment chlorophyll, participates in the accumulation of solar energy during photosynthesis, in the movement of phosphorus, and in carbohydrate metabolism, and influences the activity of redox processes.
Since chlorophyll absorbs solar energy and uses it to convert carbon dioxide and water into complex organic substances: sugars, starch, etc., the very existence of green plants is impossible without magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential component of ribosomes: with its participation (together with ATP), the binding of amino acids to tRNA occurs during protein biosynthesis. Magnesium ions Mg2+ “cross-link” protein molecules into globules, providing structural support to protein molecules.
Magnesium catalyzes the synthesis of ATP from nucleoside diphosphates, activates enzyme systems that convert malic acid to citric acid, oxalic acid to formic acid, and carbon dioxide.
Together with calcium, magnesium forms the basis of pectin in the intercellular space, as they form compounds with pectic acids.
Magnesium is also part of the main storage organic compound containing phosphorus – phytic acid.
Since chlorophyll absorbs solar energy and uses it to convert carbon dioxide and water into complex organic substances: sugars, starch, etc., the very existence of green plants is impossible without magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential component of ribosomes: with its participation (together with ATP), the binding of amino acids to tRNA occurs during protein biosynthesis. Magnesium ions Mg2+ “cross-link” protein molecules into globules, providing structural support to protein molecules.
Magnesium catalyzes the synthesis of ATP from nucleoside diphosphates, activates enzyme systems that convert malic acid to citric acid, oxalic acid to formic acid, and carbon dioxide.
Together with calcium, magnesium forms the basis of pectin in the intercellular space, as they form compounds with pectic acids.
Magnesium is also part of the main storage organic compound containing phosphorus – phytic acid.
The magnesium content in plants averages 0.07% (by weight).
In magnesium deficiency, the chlorophyll content in the green parts of plants decreases, and chlorosis develops between the leaf veins (the veins themselves remain green).
Acute magnesium deficiency causes “mottling” of leaves, the tissue between the veins may acquire various colors – yellow, orange, red, purple, and then they begin to die, starting from the edges of the leaves: during this process, the leaves curl and gradually fall off. In pine, yellowing of the tips of the needles is observed.
Indicator plants for increased magnesium content are ferns of the genus Asplenium Asplenium L., Aspleniaceae.
Medicinal plants containing magnesium:
• black elderberry Sambucus nigra L., Caprifoliaceae (roots);
• common oat Avena sativa L., Poaceae (straw);
• all species of rosehip Rosa L., Rosaceae (fruits);
• three-colored violet Viola tricolor L., Violaceae (herb);
• white bedstraw Galium album Mill., Rubiaceae (herb);
• three-leaved buckbean Menyanthes trifoliata L., Menyanthaceae (herb);
• common tansy Tanacetum vulgare L., Asteraceae (inflorescences);
• Brazil nut (= Brazil nut) Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl., Lecythidaceae (fruits, content – up to 376 mg%).
• black elderberry Sambucus nigra L., Caprifoliaceae (roots);
• common oat Avena sativa L., Poaceae (straw);
• all species of rosehip Rosa L., Rosaceae (fruits);
• three-colored violet Viola tricolor L., Violaceae (herb);
• white bedstraw Galium album Mill., Rubiaceae (herb);
• three-leaved buckbean Menyanthes trifoliata L., Menyanthaceae (herb);
• common tansy Tanacetum vulgare L., Asteraceae (inflorescences);
• Brazil nut (= Brazil nut) Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl., Lecythidaceae (fruits, content – up to 376 mg%).