Microbial Physiology and Genetics, Summaries of Biology

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Other elements, usually required in lesser amounts, include sodium, potassium,

chlorine, magnesium, calcium, iron, iodine, and some trace elements.

Combinations of all these elements make up the vital macromolecules of life,

including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

To build necessary cellular materials, every organism requires a source (or

sources) of energy, a source (or sources) of carbon, and additional nutrients.

Essential nutrients are materials that organisms are unable to synthesize but are required for

the building of macromolecules and sustaining life.

The term nutrients refers to the various chemical compounds that organisms—including

microorganisms—use to sustain life.