elements required for living processes

what is magnesium needed for ?

• Mg2+

• is a contituent of chlorophyll, so necessary for photosynthesis

• plants without magnesium ions in their soil cannot make cholophyll, leads to chlorosis

what is iron neede for ?

• Fe2+

• a constituent of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen inside human red blood cells

• lack of iron from human diet can lead to aneamia

what is phosphate needed for ?

• PO₄³⁻

• used for making nucleic acids (DNA, RNA and ATP)

• also a constituent of phospholipids, which are found in plasma membranes

what is calcium needed for ?

• Ca2+

• structural component for bones and teeth in mammals

• also a component of plant cell walls, providing strength

what does inorganic mean

does NOT have oxygen, carbon or hydrogen

what are macronutrients

inorganic ions that are needed in small amounts

what are micronutrients

ions that are needed in trace/minute amounts only