Chapter 4, Problem 1RQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The nutrients used by microbes for growth.

Introduction:

The microbial cells are less complex in comparison to the cells of multicellular organisms such as humans but are most abundantly found on the planet. These possess a simple structure but the machinery is quite complex. The most vital factor for the growth and multiplication of the microbial cells is the nutrient supply.

Explanation of Solution

Various nutrients required for the growth as well as development of the microbes are divided into two categories, namely macronutrients and micronutrients. The macronutrients are required in larger concentrations and they play a vital role in the basic metabolic functions of the cell. The micronutrients are required in smaller concentrations as these work as accessory factors for enzymes.

The macronutrients include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, cations magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium. The elements like cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, and zinc are included under micronutrients. These micronutrients are added to the growth medium on rare occasions as they are already present as a contamination in glassware which are used for culturing the microbes. Certain microbes also need specialized growth factors.