Which condition describes chlorosis in plants?

Chlorosis in plants refers specifically to the yellowing of leaves, which occurs when there is insufficient chlorophyll production. Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that is essential for photosynthesis. When there is a deficiency of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, iron, magnesium, or other essential elements, chlorophyll cannot be produced adequately, leading to yellowing.

This condition can be indicative of other underlying issues such as soil nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, or even root damage. Understanding chlorosis is crucial for diagnosing plant health problems and implementing appropriate treatments, such as adjusting nutrient levels or improving soil conditions to restore the plant's vigor.

The other options describe different conditions in plants; for example, abnormal swellings indicate growth issues that may be due to pests or diseases, green and yellow patching suggests a specific pattern of nutrient deficiency or disease, and general wilting denotes a lack of water or root problems. These do not accurately represent the specific phenomenon of chlorosis, which focuses solely on the yellowing of the leaves.