A _ is a chemical substance that organisms require to live.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: nutrient.
Explanation
A nutrient is a chemical substance that organisms require to live, grow, and carry out essential life processes. These substances are crucial for maintaining health and supporting the biological functions that sustain life, such as energy production, cell repair, growth, and immune system support.
Nutrients can be broadly classified into two main categories: macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients are needed in larger amounts and include:
- Carbohydrates: The primary source of energy for most organisms. They are broken down into glucose, which cells use to perform various functions.
- Proteins: Made up of amino acids, proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune functions.
- Fats (Lipids): Provide a concentrated source of energy, help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and are vital for cell membrane structure and function.
- Water: Although not a source of energy, water is essential for regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and removing waste.
Micronutrients, needed in smaller quantities, include:
- Vitamins: Organic compounds that often act as coenzymes in metabolic processes.
- Minerals: Inorganic elements like calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc, which play roles in bone health, oxygen transport, nerve function, and more.
Organisms obtain nutrients from their environment. For animals and humans, this comes from the food they consume. Plants absorb nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil and water, and use them in photosynthesis and growth.
A deficiency or excess of nutrients can lead to health problems. For example, a lack of vitamin C causes scurvy, while too much fat can lead to obesity and heart disease.
In summary, nutrients are vital chemical substances that sustain life by enabling organisms to grow, reproduce, and maintain health.
