What are outside raw materials used for by an organism?

Outside raw materials, also known as external raw materials, are substances that organisms obtain from their external environment to fulfill various needs and functions. These raw materials are essential for the growth, development, maintenance, and reproduction of living organisms. Different organisms have different requirements, but some common external raw materials include:

1. Nutrients:

» Plants: Plants obtain nutrients, such as minerals and water, from the soil through their roots. They also absorb carbon dioxide from the air and use sunlight for photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates and other organic compounds.
» Animals: Animals acquire nutrients by consuming other organisms. Herbivores obtain nutrients from plants, carnivores from other animals, and omnivores from both plant and animal sources.

2. Gases:

» Oxygen: Many organisms, including animals and some microorganisms, require oxygen for cellular respiration—a process that produces energy from nutrients. Oxygen is often obtained from the air or dissolved in water.
» Carbon Dioxide: Plants, algae, and some bacteria use carbon dioxide from the air or water during photosynthesis to produce organic compounds, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

3. Water:

» All living organisms need water for various biochemical processes. It serves as a medium for chemical reactions, helps maintain temperature, and is a key component of cellular structures.

4. Minerals and Ions:

» Plants: Plants absorb minerals and ions, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and others, from the soil. These substances are essential for plant growth, development, and various metabolic processes.
» Animals: Animals obtain minerals from the food they consume, and these minerals are crucial for processes like bone formation, nerve function, and enzyme activation.

5. Sunlight:

» Sunlight is a critical external raw material for photosynthetic organisms, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria. These organisms use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen during photosynthesis.

6. Organic Compounds:

» Heterotrophic Organisms: Animals and other heterotrophic organisms obtain organic compounds, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, from the food they consume. These compounds serve as a source of energy and building blocks for cellular structures.

7. Environmental Factors:

» Temperature and pH: Organisms often need to obtain appropriate environmental conditions, such as suitable temperatures and pH levels, to support their physiological processes.
» Salinity: Aquatic organisms, especially those in marine environments, may need to regulate and obtain appropriate levels of salt (salinity) from their surroundings.

The ability of an organism to acquire and utilize external raw materials is crucial for its survival and well-being. Organisms have evolved various mechanisms to extract, transport, and process these raw materials to meet their specific needs and adapt to their particular ecological niches. The process of obtaining and utilizing external raw materials is tightly regulated by the organism’s physiology and biochemical pathways.