In which way do plants absorb most nutrients?

Plants primarily absorb nutrients from the soil through their roots using a process known as active transport. This method is crucial because it allows plants to take up minerals and ions against their concentration gradient, meaning they can absorb nutrients even when they are in lower concentrations in the soil compared to inside the plant.

Active transport requires energy, which plants obtain from the process of cellular respiration. The roots have specialized cells that can actively transport necessary nutrients, such as potassium and nitrate, into the root cells. This absorption is essential for plant growth and health, as these nutrients are vital for various functions, including photosynthesis, growth, and development.

While photosynthesis and respiration are essential processes for plants, they are not involved in nutrient absorption from the soil. Photosynthesis occurs in the leaves and involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, while respiration takes place in all living cells and is focused on energy release rather than nutrient uptake. Passive transport through the stem also plays a role in nutrient and water movement, but it generally refers to the movement of water and certain small molecules, rather than active absorption of nutrients.