What are macronutrients?

Prepare for the Microbial Metabolism Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with helpful hints and detailed explanations. Ace your test with ease!

Macronutrients are the elements microbes need in relatively large amounts to grow and maintain cellular functions. These include the major building-block elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, and often essential inorganic ions like potassium, magnesium, and calcium that are required in higher quantities. Vitamins, by contrast, are organic molecules needed only in small amounts as cofactors, and trace elements are minerals required in much smaller quantities. So the idea that macronutrients are the elements required in relatively large amounts for growth and survival is the best description.