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2.4. Nutrient requirements
All microorganisms need for their microbial activity the presence of several nutrients.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are capable of being used by all microorganisms, although in no case is
there an absolute requirement for this group of organic compounds. Glucose is the most
readily metabolized sugar. Most fungi can use disaccharides.
Lipides
Microbial requirements for steroids, and long-chain fatty acids can be summarized as
follows. Long-chain fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid are required for bacteria
and fungi. Generally, steroids, other than cholesterol, are not required or utilized by
microorganisms. In all fungi, and including yeast, ergosterol is a nutritional requirement.
Purines and pyrimidines
It is generally only in bacteria that cases of purine and pyrimidine metabolism have been
reported. Algae do not utilize these compounds at all.
Vitamins and growth factors
There is considerable species variation in the requirements of vitamins and related
factors by other microorganisms. Generally, vitamins A, C
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