Nitrogen is essential for protein and compound synthesis in autotrophs, and it is acquired from the soil either as inorganic nitrates/nitrites or as organic compounds prepared by bacteria from atmospheric nitrogen.

Autotrophs need materials like nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium, which are taken up from the soil.

Autotrophs take up water from the soil through their roots in terrestrial plants.

Gaseous exchange occurs across the surface of stems, roots, and leaves, ensuring efficient gas exchange for photosynthesis and other plant processes.

Guard cells regulate the opening and closing of stomatal pores; they swell with water, causing the pore to open, and shrink to close it, controlling gas exchange and water loss.