Expert: Walter Hintz - 12/10/2007

Question
I've read through my books chapters for information and have come up empty handed for information regarding this question.  The question reads,
All Cells require complex and varied macromolecules in order to carry out their life functions.  Plants, many protists, and cyanobacteria take in only simple inorganic materials such as carbon dioxide, water and some minerals.  Describe where all of their organic molecular complexity comes from when only these simple inorganic materials are available to them?

If you have any input or information for me please let me know. thanks

Answer
 Hi jesse
The synthesis of complex organic molecules is a function of living cells. Of course all synthesis starts with simple molecules mostly carbon, hydrogen oxygen, and nitrogen. Plants and cyanobacteria utilize CO2 and H2O with the presence of chlorophyll and light to form glucose. This provides the energy and with minerals from the soil build up nitrogen compounds.  Animals then consume the plants and further compounds are formed.  The protists are consumers.
 This is a simplification but it all begins with photosynthesis