4.5

Major elements

Elements that make up a cell. C, O, H, N, S, Ph, K, Mg, Ca, I. Essential part of protein, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acid

Heterotrophs

microorganisms that use organic carbon

autotrophs

Medically, important bacteria that use inorganic carbon in the form of carbon dioxide

carbon fixation

When autotroph convert inorganic carbon into an organic form

Sulfur

A component of some amino acids. Some microbes use inorganic sulfur sources, but others require organic sources

phosphorus

A component of nucleic acids, Membrane lipids, And ATP. some organisms can use in organic sources, but some require organic sources.

What are the other elements used for?

Enzyme function

Limiting nutrient

A nutrient that limits growth because it’s only present at the lowest concentration. example phosphorus and iron

trace elements

Elements that are required in small amounts

growth factors

Compounds that cannot synthesize certain organic molecules so they can only grow if that molecule is around them

fastidious bacterial species

Means that these bacteria have complicated nutritional requirements. Some of these are used to measure the quantity of vitamins in a food product by putting Bacteria in the product to see how much it grows

chemotrophs

Bacteria that take energy from chemical compounds. Mammalian cells, fungi, other prokaryotes Use organic chemicals like sugars amino acids and fatty acid as energy. Some Bacteria and archaea Used in organic chemicals, like hydrogen, sulfide, and hydrogen gas as energy

Photo auto troughs

Used energy of sunlight to make organic compounds from carbon dioxide. their primary producers, meaning they support other forms of life by fixing carbon and nitrogen. (cyanobacteria fix nitrogen too)