Concept:
Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for proper cellular function.
• They often act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes • Essential for metabolic reactions but not used as primary nutrients
Step 1: Analyzing each option.
• Growth factors: Required in small amounts for growth → Correct.
• Energy source: Vitamins do not provide energy → Incorrect.
• Carbon source: Not used as bulk carbon source → Incorrect.
• Electron donors: Not involved directly → Incorrect.
Step 2: Selecting the correct answer.
Thus, vitamins are required as growth factors.