Living organisms can incorporate blank into their metabolism
Living organisms can incorporate various elements and compounds into their metabolism. These include:
1. Carbon (C): Carbon is a fundamental element incorporated into the organic molecules that form the basis of life. It is utilized in carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
2. Oxygen (O): Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, a process where energy is generated by breaking down organic molecules. It is also incorporated into various molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
3. Hydrogen (H): Hydrogen is a component of water (H2O), which is crucial for many biological processes. It is also present in molecules like carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
4. Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is a critical component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Nitrogen is also found in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and numerous other biomolecules.
5. Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is present in molecules like DNA, RNA, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which are involved in energy storage and transfer.
6. Sulfur (S): Sulfur is incorporated into certain amino acids (e.g., cysteine and methionine) and vitamins (such as biotin and thiamine).
7. Trace elements: Besides the major elements mentioned above, living organisms also require trace amounts of various elements, including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and many others. These trace elements serve as cofactors for enzymes and are essential for various biochemical reactions.
Overall, the incorporation of these elements into metabolism allows living organisms to perform vital functions such as energy production, growth, and reproduction.