Classification of Minerals Based on Their Functions

Minerals can equally be classified by the specific biochemical function each one performs. Structural component minerals - carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen - are built directly into the organic molecules that make up the plant body. Several minerals function as enzyme cofactors or activators: molybdenum is essential for the enzyme nitrogenase during the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia; zinc activates alcohol dehydrogenase and carbonic anhydrase; magnesium activates the carbon-fixing enzymes RuBP carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO) and PEP carboxylase; and nickel is a constituent of urease and hydrogenase. Potassium's chief role is maintaining the osmotic potential of the cell, which drives water absorption, stomatal movement and cell turgidity. Finally, some minerals are built into the plant's energy-hand …