Water and minerals

• What are inorganic compounds typically composed of?

  Inorganic compounds usually do not contain carbon and hydrogen.
• What is the most important inorganic molecule for living organisms?

  Water
• What does the chemical formula of water, H₂O, indicate?

  It indicates that each molecule of water consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.
• What percentage of the mass of cells does water make up?

  Water makes up 60-70% of the mass of cells.
• Why is water required for living organisms?

  Water is required for many metabolic processes in plants and animals.
• What are minerals in the context of living organisms?

  Minerals are inorganic compounds that living things require to remain healthy.
• How do minerals contribute to life processes?

  Minerals are needed to take part in key chemical reactions in important life processes.
• How do plants obtain their minerals?

  Plants obtain their minerals from the soil.
• In what form are minerals usually taken in by plants and animals?

  Minerals are usually taken in the form of compounds but are used in their elemental form.
• What is an example of a mineral that is essential for living organisms?

  Calcium
• What are macro-elements?


  Macro-elements are minerals that are needed in relatively large quantities by plants and animals.
• What are micro-elements?


  Micro-elements are minerals that are needed in relatively small quantities by plants and animals.
• What are the main nutrients found in artificial fertilizers?

  • Nitrogen (in the form of nitrates)
  • Phosphorus (in the form of phosphates)
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Other minerals
• Why are artificial fertilizers used in soils?

  Artificial fertilizers are used in soils that lack nutrients.
• What happens to soil that is overused for crops?

  The soil becomes overused and has fewer mineral nutrients.
• What is leaching in the context of soil and fertilizers?

  Leaching is the removal of mineral salts from the soil by the movement of water through the soil.
• What environmental issue can arise from the overuse of artificial fertilizers?

  Overuse of artificial fertilizers can lead to pollution of rivers and lakes.
• What is eutrophication?


  Eutrophication is the process where high levels of nutrients stimulate the growth of aquatic plants and algae, leading to oxygen depletion in water bodies.
• How does eutrophication affect aquatic organisms?

  Eutrophication prevents photosynthesis of other water plants and affects the ability of fish and other animals to obtain oxygen.
• What are the key questions related to inorganic compounds and their importance?


  • Which is the most important inorganic molecule for living organisms?
  • Why do living organisms need mineral nutrients?
  • How can fertilizers harm the environment?