What Is the Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Nutrients?

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Organic nutrients are the necessary building blocks of various cell components that certain organisms cannot synthesize, while inorganic nutrients are elements and minerals that are essential for the growth of living things, such as water and oxygen. Examples of organic nutrients include carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, amino acids and proteins.

A nutrient is defined as a substance that an organism utilizes to survive and grow. Nutrients are classified as organic and inorganic. Nutrients are further classified as essential nutrients, nonessential nutrients, micronutrients and macronutrients. Micronutrients are those that are needed only in small quantities, while macronutrients are required in large quantities.