common elements in the human body

Question 1

Carbon (C)

Answer 1

18.5% of body.

carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleus acids

Question 2

Hydrogen (H)

Answer 2

9.5% of body.

influences pH of body fluids,

Question 3

Nitrogen (N)

Answer 3

3.2% of body.

component of proteins and nucleus acids (genetic material)

Question 4

Calcium (Ca)

Answer 4

1.5% of body.

salt in bones and teeth, required for muscle contraction, neural transmission, and blood clotting

Question 5

Phosphorus (P)

Answer 5

1.0% of body. salt in combo with calcium in bones in teeth. forms part of high energy compound (ATP)

Question 6

Potassium (K)

Answer 6

0.4% of body.

intercellular cation. necessary for conduction of nerve impulses and muscle contraction.

Question 7

Sulfur (S)

Answer 7

0.3% of body.

Component of proteins (particularly contractile proteins of muscle)

Question 8

Sodium (Na)

Answer 8

0.2% of body.

extra cellular cation. important for water balance, conduction of nerve impulse and muscle contraction

Question 9

Chlorine (Cl)

Answer 9

0.2% of body.

extra cellular anion

Question 10

Magnesium (Mg)

Answer 10

0.1% of body.

important cofactor for enzyme activity in a number of metabolic reactions.

Question 11

Iodine (I)

Answer 11

0.1% of body.

needed to make functional thyroid hormones.

Question 12

Iron (Fe)

Answer 12

0.1% of body.

component of functional hemoglobin molecule (which transports oxygen within red blood cells) and some enzymes.

Question 13

Oxygen (O)

Answer 13

65% of body.

organic and inorganic. essential to oxidation of glucose and other food fuels. cellular energy (ATP) is produced.