MACRONUTRIENTS infoBiT All living things need nutrients to survive. Nutrients are elements and compounds that organisms need for living, growing, and reproducing, Plants obtain the nutrients carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from air and water. They obtain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur from the soil. These nine elements are all essential for the normal growth of plants, Because they are needed in relatively large amounts, they are called macronutrients (“macro-” means large or large scale). In earlier science classes, you learned about the importance of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen for living things. You will learn more about them throughout this unit. The table below summarizes the role of the six other macronutrients in the growth and development of plants and humans. Elements such as selenium are also essential for plant and animal growth and development. However, they are needed in only minor or trace amounts, so they are called micronutrients (“micro-” means very small or small scale). Elements in the Humon Body Just sx elements ‘oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, caleium, and phosphorus—make up 99% of the human body. ee ed Nitrogen (N) * Composition of proteins and ‘chlorophyll * Leaf and stem growth * Composition of proteins and nucleic ‘acids found in all cells * Growth and repair of tissues Phosphorus (P) * Root and flower growth + Gellular respiration and photosynthesis * Composition of bones, teeth, and DNA ‘Many metabolic reactions + Muscle contraction and nerve impulses Potassium (K) * Stimulation of early growth, + Starch and protein production and sugar movement * Disease resistance * Chlorophyll production and tuber formation Magnesium (Mg) * Composition of chlorophyll structure + Photosynthesis * Composition of bones and teeth * Absorption of calcium and potassium, * Cell wall structure * Cell division Calcium (Ca) * Composition of bones and teeth * Blood clotting * Muscle and nerve function Sulfur (8) * Production of fruits and grains + Protein synthesis, + Enzyme activation * Detoxification The Evionmet s Made p of heist Cn Support or Harm Lng Things 197