Common Elements Making Up the Human Body Flashcards
Role of oxygen (O)
96%
- A major component of both organic and inorganic molecules
* As a gas, essential to the oxidation of glucose and other food fuels, during which cellular energy (ATP) is produced
Role of carbon (C)
96%
The primary element in all organic molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
Role of hydrogen (H)
96%
- A component of most organic molecules
* As an ion (a charged atom), it influences the pH of body fluids
Role of nitrogen (N)
96%
A component of proteins and nucleic acids (genetic material)
Role of calcium (Ca)
4%
- Found as a salt in bones and teeth
* In ionic form, required for muscle contraction, neural transmission, and blood clotting
Role of phosphorus (P)
4%
- Present as a salt, in combination with calcium, in bones and teeth
- Also present in nucleic acids and many proteins
- Forms part of the high-energy compound ATP
Role of potassium (K)
4%
- In its ionic form, the major intracellular cation
* Necessary for the conduction of nerve impulses and for muscle contraction
Role of sulfur (S)
4%
A component of proteins (particularly contractile proteins of muscle)
Role of sodium (Na)
4%
- As an ion, the major extracellular cation
* Important for water balance, conduction of nerve impulses, and muscle contraction
Role of chlorine (Cl)
4%
In ionic (chloride) form, the most abundant extracellular anion
Role of magnesium (Mg)
4%
- Present in bone
* Also an important cofactor for enzyme activity in a number of metabolic reactions
Role of iodine (I)
4%
Needed to make functional thyroid hormones
Role of iron (Fe)
4%
A component of the functional hemoglobin molecule (which transports oxygen within red blood cells) and some enzymes
