Final answer:
Cells repair and grow using DNA, amino acids, and lipids, through mechanisms including DNA repair and electrochemical responses to damage, tailored to damage type and cell phase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecules that are chemically rearranged to form specific molecules needed by cells for growth and repair are primarily nucleotides that make up DNA, as well as amino acids and lipids that contribute to cellular structures and enzymes. Cells undergo DNA repair to maintain the integrity of their genetic code, which is crucial for proper cell function and survival.
This process is especially significant because human cells can experience millions of instances of DNA damage per day. Moreover, factors like cell type and age influence the rate of DNA repair. In addition to DNA, other cellular components necessary for function, such as membranes, ribosomes, mitochondria, and plastids, also need to be constructed and repaired using various elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
When damage occurs, cells mobilize a repair mechanism that may involve the release of calcium ions and other molecules, triggering an electrochemical response that initiates healing. The types of molecules involved and the specific repair responses are tailored to the type of damage and the cellular phase, ensuring optimal recovery.