Nutrients are the biological molecules or chemical compounds which are required for the growth and development of an individual or cell. The nutrients are classified in to two categories based on the carbon content, Organic and Inorganic nutrients.
The nutrients which have hydrocarbons as their backbone are Organic nutrients and those who doesn't lacks hydrocarbons as backbone are inorganic nutrients.
Broadly, in terms of food nutrients are proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. These my be organic or inorganic.
Any chemical compound is considered as nutrient when it is essential for the organism or cell or have significance in the bio-chemical pathway of the cell.
A nutrient must have following properties:
- It should be bio-active and bio-available.
- It must contain hydrogen or carbon in its chemical structure.
- It should be metabolized.
- It should be required in adequate manner.
- Nutrients must be a source of energy or any molecule which is responsible for energy or biological factors.
Water is required by any cell because it is universal solvent and have unique properties. It is metabolized by body and have significance in various biological pathways. Water does not contributes in the production of energy or any other molecules but helps in the formation and packaging of several bio-molecules.
Health And Nutrition
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FOOD AND SCIENCE