Metal-Hoarding Plants and Their Role in Environmental Cleanup

The video explores metal-hoarding plants, which contain high levels of nickel, much more than typical ores. These plants are used to extract nickel from soil, aiding environmental restoration. They actively absorb metals using special proteins, storing them in leaves to avoid toxicity. This metal hoarding may serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores, making the plants toxic without producing their own toxins.

What makes the sap of metal-hoarding plants unique compared to typical nickel ores?

• It is 25% nickel, much higher than typical ores.

• It contains less nickel than typical ores.

• It is used as a food source for animals.

• It is completely free of metals.

How do metal-hoarding plants contribute to environmental cleanup?

• By absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.

• By releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

• By providing habitat for endangered species.

• By extracting leftover nickel from abandoned mines.

What is the typical nickel content in most plants?

• More than 25%

• About 1%

• Exactly 10%

• Less than 0.0005%

Why is surplus nickel usually toxic to plants?

• It increases water absorption.

• It inhibits cell division and harms chlorophyll.

• It enhances photosynthesis.

• It attracts more herbivores.

How do metal-hoarding plants manage to survive with high metal concentrations?

• By passively absorbing metals.

• By using special proteins to absorb and store metals.

• By avoiding metal-rich soils.

• By converting metals into nutrients.

What role do special proteins play in metal-hoarding plants?

• They help in photosynthesis.

• They transport and store metals within the plant.

• They convert metals into water.

• They repel herbivores.

What is a possible reason for metal-hoarding plants to accumulate so much metal?

• To enhance their growth rate.

• To improve their color.

• To deter herbivores due to toxicity.

• To attract more pollinators.

How do salt-loving plants benefit from hoarding salt?

• By reducing their growth rate.

• By enhancing their photosynthesis process.

• By increasing water absorption from the soil.

• By attracting more herbivores.

What is a shared characteristic between salt-hoarding and metal-hoarding plants?

• Both use the hoarded substance to enhance photosynthesis.

• Both hoard substances that are generally toxic at high concentrations.

• Both are found only in desert regions.

• Both are used as food sources for animals.

Why might metal-hoarding plants not need to produce their own defensive toxins?

• They have a strong outer shell.

• They grow in areas without herbivores.

• Their high metal content makes them toxic to herbivores.

• They are naturally invisible to herbivores.