Question

List the essential macronutrients and micronutrients required by microorganisms and explain their function in the cell and their sources. Explain the term fastidious.

Answer 1

macronutrients required by microorganisms-

carbon, hydrogen , nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorous which are components of carbohydrates,lipids ,proteins and nucleic acids - these macronutrients are essential for microorganisns as they make carbohydrate , the main food source and storage form of food . proteins , to make enzymes for different life processes. lipids , for synthesising cell wall for microorganisms and nucleic acid , for the DNA and RNA formation .

Other macronutrients like potassium (K) , calcium (Ca) , magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) present in the cell of microorganisms as cations - they help in the ion transport and other ion channels and pumps.sms

micronutrients required for microorganisms -

these are nutrients which are necessary in small amounts involved in enzyme function and maintenance of protein structure like - zinc(Zn) , nickel(Ni) , manganese(Mn).

All these requirements get fulfilled by the provided nutrients in culture media where the microorganism is grown or naturally from atmosphere for free microorganisms.

Fastidious - A fastidious organism is one which grow only when specific nutrients are included in their diet.That is that special required nutrient must be present in the culture media for that microorganism to grow.