Microbial growth Conditions I Macronutrients 2. Micronutrients 3. Growth factors 4. Environmental factors: temperature; pH; Oxygen et al Nutrient requirements Microorganisms require a bout ten elements in large quantities, because they are used to construct carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Several other elements are needed in very small amounts and are parts of enzymes and cofactors.Microbial Growth Conditions 1. Macronutrients 2. Micronutrients 3. Growth factors 4. Environmental factors: temperature; pH; Oxygen et al. Microorganisms require about ten elements in large quantities, because they are used to construct carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Several other elements are needed in very small amounts and are parts of enzymes and cofactors. Nutrient requirements