Which of the following is NOT a nutrient required by plants?

• A. Nitrogen (\(N\))
• B. Phosphorus (\(P\))
• C. Potassium (\(K\))
• D. Chlorophyll

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem is asking which of the listed options is NOT a nutrient required by plants. Nutrients are substances that plants absorb from their environment to support growth and development.
2. Review the listed options: Nitrogen (\(N\)), Phosphorus (\(P\)), and Potassium (\(K\)) are all macronutrients essential for plant growth. Chlorophyll, on the other hand, is a pigment found in plants, not a nutrient.
3. Clarify the role of chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is a green pigment located in the chloroplasts of plant cells. It plays a critical role in photosynthesis by capturing light energy, but it is synthesized by the plant and not absorbed as a nutrient.
4. Explain the role of the other options: Nitrogen (\(N\)) is vital for the synthesis of amino acids and proteins, Phosphorus (\(P\)) is important for energy transfer and nucleic acids, and Potassium (\(K\)) is crucial for enzyme activation and osmoregulation.
5. Conclude: Since chlorophyll is not absorbed from the environment as a nutrient but is instead produced by the plant, it is the correct answer to the question.