Chapter 6, Problem 8CT

Summary Introduction

To answer:

The requirements of phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and magnesium for the metabolism of microbes. The role of these elements in microbial metabolism.

Introduction:

About 95% of the weight (dry) of the cell is constituted by carbon molecules, nitrogen molecules, oxygen molecules, and hydrogen molecules. The rest 5% of the weight is constituted by iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and trace elements. Each one of these minor elements are important for the metabolism of microbes.