Zinc – The Role of Zn in Plants and Humans
As a trace element the importance of Zinc (Zn) in living things is abundantly clear. Indeed, in today’s social and environmental climates Zinc plays an important role of:
- first, cell structure and;
- second, vitamin metabolism
In other words, this micronutrient is vital to the Life Sciences. Above all, the inputs of micronutrients to grow healthy crops are directly advantageous to humans. Because we eat what we produce humans benefit from the appropriate nutrient profiles in plants. Furthermore, being a steward of a crop farmers are able to deliver high quality crops that benefit the world. Therefore, nutrient content in plants is a beautiful synergy that we can all take stock of starting today. In closing, learn more below:
Simultaneously Zinc Plays a Role In Plants and Humans - Plants' Doctor | Zinc (Zn)
| MOST IMPORTANT is The Role of Zinc (Zn) in plants and humans |
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| FIRSTLY: Zinc (Zn) is the second most abundant transition metal in living organisms (just after Iron) |
| SECONDLY: Zinc exists only as Zn²+ ions and does not take part in redox reactions |
| THIRDLY: Plays an important functional (catalytic) and a structural role in enzyme reactions |
| Role of Zn in Plants |
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| #1. Average total Zn concentration in cultivated soils is around 65 mg/kg |
| #2. Zn content in plant tissues varies from 25 to 100 ppm |
| #3. Involved in the stimulation of auxin synthesis |
| #4. Affects the permeability of cell membranes |
| Role of Zn in Humans |
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| #1. Average Zn concentration in blood serum is around 0.1% |
| #2. Zn concentration differ in certain tissues (60% of Zn is present in muscles, 30% in bones & 5% in skin, 5% other) |
| #3. Role in hormone & vitamin metabolism |
| #4. Role in physiological functions: immune system, reproduction & neurosensory |
There are Molecular Functions of Zn - Plants' Doctor | Zinc (Zn)
| Molecular functions of Zn |
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| FIRSTLY: Protein metabolism - Zn is necessary for the activity of RNA polymeraze enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA |
| SECONDLY: Membrane integrity - Role in the maintenance of ion transport systems ans structural orientation of macromolecules |
| THIRDLY: Antioxidative action - Protect ion of plant cells from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) |
There are different forms of Zinc in soil
- Mineral form – zinc sulphides, zinc carbonates & zinc silicates – released from weathering Zn ores: sphalerite (ZnS), smithsonite (ZnCO₃), willemite ZnSiO₄, franklinite (ZnFe₂O₄)
- Absorbable form – Zn is absorbed on the surface of clays, oxide minerals, carbonates and organic matters
- Solution form – in soil solution Zn exists as Zn²⁺ ion and Zn(OH)⁺
- Organic complex form – stable complexes with organic colloids (generally, not readily available to plants)
Lastly, the advantages of foliar applied Zinc (Zn)
| WITHOUT A DOUBT THERE ARE ADVANTAGE OF SPRAYING THE LEAVES |
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| Firstly is AVAILABILITY - Uptake independent of soil chemistry |
| Secondly comes ECONOMY - Less water consumption |
| After that there is STIMULATION - Facilitated uptake of nutrients from soil |
| What's more is ASSIMILATION - Reduced time of the nutrient absorption |
| Finally there is EFFICIENCY - Absorption of up to 95% of applied dose |
Additional Learning: Role of Zinc in Plant Nutrition - A Review. American journal of Experimental Agriculture. 50(1): 374-391.
Zinc is a plant micronutrient involved in many physiological functions. With this in mind, its inadequate supply will reduce crop yields. Consequently, Zn deficiency is the most widespread micronutrient deficiency problem. DID YOU KNOW: Almost all crops and calcareous, sandy soils, peat soils, and soils with high phosphorus and silicon are expected to be deficient. Furthermore, Zinc deficiencies can affect a plant by:
- stunting its growth
- chlorosis
- smaller leaves
- increasing crop maturity period
- inferior quality of harvested products
Besides its role in crop production, Zn plays a part in the basic roles of cellular functions in all living organisms and improves the human immune system. Lastly, due to its insufficient intake, the human body will suffer from hair and memory loss, skin problems, and body muscle weakness. Some crops known to be high in Zinc are:
- Spinach
- Green Beans
- Almonds
- Avocado
- Celery
- Garlic