What is a consequence of nutrient deficiency observed in plant leaves?

A consequence of nutrient deficiency observed in plant leaves is yellowing, also known as chlorosis. This condition typically occurs due to a lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, or iron that are crucial for chlorophyll production. Chlorophyll is the pigment responsible for the green color in leaves and plays a key role in photosynthesis. When nutrient deficiency impairs chlorophyll synthesis, leaves lose their green coloration and turn yellow, indicating that the plant is stressed and unable to carry out photosynthesis effectively.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the effects of nutrient deficiency. Increased photosynthesis would not occur in the case of nutrient deficiency, as the lack of essential nutrients hinders the photosynthetic process. Improved absorption of sunlight is also unlikely, as healthy green pigments are necessary for this absorption, which is compromised when chlorosis occurs. Greater flowering and fruiting would typically require adequate nutrients to support those processes, so nutrient deficiency would inhibit, rather than promote, these reproductive aspects in plants.