Define the nutritional needs of microorganisms, Biology

Assignment Help:

Define the Nutritional Needs of Microorganisms?

About 95% of dry cell weight of microorganisms is constituted by macro elements. These are carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), sulphur (S), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe). In addition to macro elements, all microorganisms also require several microelements or trace elements. These are Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Cobalt (Co), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu).

These are normally a part of enzyme cofactor and helps in catalysis of reactions and maintenance of protein structures, e.g. Mo++ is needed for nitrogen fixation, Co++ is a part of Vitamin B12 and so on. Generally, these are obtained as contaminants from glassware, water and other media components. Micronutrients are generally ubiquitous in nature and probably do not limit the growth. Besides, common macro and trace elements, some microorganisms may have special nutrient requirements like, diatoms require silicic acid, many bacteria require high concentration of sodium ions and so on.


Related Discussions:- Define the nutritional needs of microorganisms

What is inharmonious ecological interaction, What is inharmonious ecologica...

What is inharmonious ecological interaction? Inharmonious, or negative, ecological interaction is that in which at least one of the participating beings is harmed.

Explain the criteria for assessment of vitamin status, Explain the Criteria...

Explain the Criteria for Assessment of Vitamin Status? Vitamin E is assessed by determining the plasma lipid fraction levels. 0.8 mg of total tocopherol/g total plasma lipids i

Diseases, what diseases are caused by trypanosoma and entameoba histolytica...

what diseases are caused by trypanosoma and entameoba histolytica

Which functional groups ionization stabilized by resonance, In which of the...

In which of the following functional groups ionization is stabilized by resonance? Select one: a. Carboxyl b. Hydroxyl c. Amine d. Aldehyde e. All of the above

Cells, what are the buildings blocks of life?

what are the buildings blocks of life?

Where in eukaryotic cells does mrna synthesis occur, Where in eukaryotic ce...

Where in eukaryotic cells does mRNA synthesis occur? To where do these molecules migrate? Messenger RNA molecules are synthesized within the nucleus, pass by pores of the nucle

Morphological differences between monocot and dicot plants, Q. What are the...

Q. What are the major morphological differences between monocot plants and dicot plants? The main separation criteria between monocots and dicots are: number of cotyledons (see

Important Value Index (IVI) calculation, How can we calculate the IVI from ...

How can we calculate the IVI from a total number of (30) quadrats (each 30 x 30 m quadrats)

Hypocoagulation disorder and vitamin k deficiency, Which of the following p...

Which of the following patients likely faces the highest risk of an acquired hypocoagulation disorder and vitamin K deficiency? Answer A. A patient who is immunocompromised as a re

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd