Explain how nitrate deficiency affects plant growth.

Nitrate deficiency causes stunted growth in plants because nitrate ions are essential for protein synthesis, which is crucial for cell growth and development. Without sufficient nitrates, plants cannot produce the proteins necessary for their growth processes.

This answer is strong because it directly addresses the cause-and-effect relationship between nitrate deficiency and stunted growth, demonstrating understanding of the role of nitrates in plant biology. The question tests the student's ability to explain a biological concept clearly.