what distinguishes a macronutrient from a micronutrient
Macronutrients include Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen. Micronutrients are chlorine, iron, maganese, zinc, boron, sodium, copper, molybdenum and nickel. Plants need these nutrients to survive.Macronutrients mainly include carbohydrates, proteins and fats and also water which are required in large quantities and their main function being the release of energy in body.Whereas, micronutrients mainly comprise vitamins and minerals which are required in minute quantities. Essential micronutrients include iodine, iron, vitamin A and folate.   A nutrient is a substance used in an organism's metabolism which must be taken in from the en â¦ vironment. Non-autotrophic organisms typically acquire nutrients by the ingestion of foods.