Concepts: 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.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. Concepts: Nutrient requirements