Plants create amino acids primarily through the process of nitrogen fixation and other metabolic pathways involving various elements. From the options you've provided:
a. Carbon - Yes, plants do use carbon. They absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air during photosynthesis to produce glucose, which is a fundamental carbohydrate that serves as an energy source and a building block for various compounds, including amino acids.
b. Nitrogen - Yes, nitrogen is essential for amino acid synthesis. Plants absorb nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitrate (NO3-) or ammonium (NH4+). Nitrogen is a critical component of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.
c. Fluoride - No, fluoride is not used by plants to create amino acids. While fluoride can affect plant growth and development, it is not a necessary element for amino acid synthesis.
d. Hydrogen - Yes, hydrogen is involved indirectly. It is a component of water (H2O), which is essential for photosynthesis and various metabolic processes in plants. Hydrogen atoms are also part of the glucose molecule.
In summary, the soil-based compounds that plants use to create amino acids from glucose include carbon and nitrogen. Hydrogen is also involved indirectly through water. Fluoride is not relevant to amino acid production.