Final answer:
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals essential for various bodily functions that are needed in small amounts by our bodies. They are pivotal for metabolic processes, and while some can be stored, others must be regularly consumed through diet. In plants, micronutrients are critical for growth and metabolic functions, even though they are needed only in trace amounts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Micronutrients are nutrients that our bodies need in relatively small quantities to function properly. Unlike macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that provide energy and are needed in larger amounts, micronutrients do not provide energy but are essential for various bodily functions. They include vitamins and minerals, components that are vital for processes such as nerve impulse transmission, and some, like calcium, have structural roles in the body.
Our bodies can store some micronutrients in tissues, making use of these reserves if dietary intake falls short temporarily. However, certain micronutrients, like vitamin C and many of the B vitamins, are water-soluble and cannot be stored for long periods, necessitating regular consumption through diet.
In the context of plants, micronutrients like iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, zinc, and copper play an important role in growth and metabolism, despite being required only in trace amounts. These elements can also be limiting to plant growth under natural conditions and are critical as they are often part of the active sites in enzymes. Understanding the balance of these nutrients is crucial as both deficiencies and excesses can lead to detrimental effects on both human and plant health.