What outside raw materials are used by organisms to maintain life?

Raw materials from the environment:

• Oxygen (O₂): Used in aerobic respiration to release energy.
• Food/Nutrients: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals — energy and building blocks.
• Water (H₂O): Essential for almost every chemical reaction; raw material in photosynthesis.
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Used by plants in photosynthesis.
• Sunlight: Energy source for autotrophs.
• Minerals and salts: Nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, etc. for growth and enzyme function.