The process of intake of nutrients from the soil is called absorption. Plants absorb minerals from the soil through the roots by two ways. (a) Passive absorption and (b) Active absorption. (a) Passive absorption. It is simple process of diffusion of ions from higher concentration to lower concentration into root cells. (b) Active absorption. The uptake of minerals ions against concentration gradient is called active absorption. Such a movement of ions is carried out with the expenditure of energy (ATP). Carriers are involved in active mineral absorption. Carrier + ion → Carrier ion complex → Carrier ion enters inner space.