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An organic nutrient that can not be synthesized by an organism and must be provided is called:

-element
-micronutrient
-water
-growth factor
-trace element

2 Answers

4 votes

Final Answer:

growth factor. A growth factor is an organic nutrient that an organism cannot synthesize on its own and must be provided externally for growth and development.So, the final answer is growth factor.

Step-by-step explanation:

A growth factor is an essential organic nutrient that plays a crucial role in the growth and development of an organism. Unlike some elements or micronutrients that an organism can synthesize internally, a growth factor is a substance that cannot be produced by the organism itself and must be supplied from external sources. These factors are pivotal in various biological processes, influencing cellular differentiation, proliferation, and overall development.

Organisms, ranging from bacteria to higher eukaryotes, rely on growth factors to fulfill specific biochemical functions necessary for their survival and reproduction. These factors act as signaling molecules, binding to receptors on the cell surface and triggering intracellular cascades that regulate gene expression and cellular activities. The inability of an organism to produce these growth factors independently emphasizes their external requirement for sustaining life processes.

In biological systems, growth factors are diverse and include substances such as vitamins, amino acids, and other organic compounds. The presence or absence of these growth factors can significantly impact an organism's health and functionality. Understanding the role of growth factors is essential in fields like microbiology, cell biology, and medicine, as it provides insights into the intricate mechanisms governing cellular processes and lays the foundation for developing therapeutic interventions and nutritional strategies.

User Ilise
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Final answer:

A growth factor, also known as an essential nutrient, is an organic nutrient that an organism cannot synthesize on its own and must intake through diet. Micronutrients or trace elements are types of essential nutrients needed only in small amounts but are crucial for normal functioning.

Step-by-step explanation:

An organic nutrient that cannot be synthesized by an organism and must be provided through its diet is known as a growth factor or essential nutrient. These essential nutrients are important because while animals can synthesize many molecules from organic precursors, others must be ingested as the body cannot produce them in adequate amounts. These are found in foods and include various vitamins and minerals, and in the case of some animals, essential amino acids and fatty acids.

Micronutrients, also referred to as trace elements, are essential nutrients required only in minuscule amounts. Despite their small required amounts, micronutrients are vital for normal physiological functions and must be obtained from the diet as they are not synthesized by the body. Examples of micronutrients include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin D.

User John McFarlane
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