Chapter 21, Problem 1A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The essential elements for the human body and function needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Element − matter is composed of the fundamental material that is termed as an element. Elements cannot be decomposed into their simpler substance.

Percentage by mass − it is calculated by the component divided by the total mass of the mixture, multiplied by 100.

There are many elements essential for the human body. The percentage of the elements and type of molecule, or type of cells explains that types of component present in the human body.

Answer to Problem 1A

Oxygen element is present in the human body in the largest percentage by mass. There are ten essential elements for the human body, oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, phosphorus, magnesium.

Explanation of Solution

Oxygen is present in the largest amount in the human body. The higher portion of the human body is made up of water. The second most important element is carbon, the basic unit for organic molecules.

There are ten essential elements for the body with their uses-

Oxygen- Oxygen is the most abundant element for the human body. The higher percentage of oxygen present in the solvent found in the body and is used to maintain the body temperature.

Carbon- The second important element is carbon. Carbon long chains are used to form organic compounds such as carbohydrates, fats, nucleic acids, and proteins. All these compounds are used as an energy source.

Hydrogen- Hydrogen is found in water. Water is present in the largest amount in the human body. Hydrogen percentage covers large scales of compounds.

Nitrogen- Nitrogen is mainly found in the amino acid and in the nucleic acid. Both are useful for the genetic material of the human body.

Calcium- Calcium is used as a basic raw material in bones, but it is necessary for protein regulation and movements of muscles.

Potassium- Potassium is an important electrolyte. It regulated the sodium-potassium pump in the cells.

Phosphorus- It is found in bones, and act as an agent to transfer the energy from cell to cell.

Sodium- Sodium is an important electrolyte. It is used for nerve signaling. Sodium is one of the electrolytes that help regulate the quantity of water in the body.

Chlorine- The fluid present in the body is regulated by the negatively charged ion that is chlorine.

Magnesium- It is basic need for the structure of muscles and bones and is playing an important role as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions.

Conclusion

Oxygen is found in the largest amount in the human body. Ten other essential elements such as oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, are helpful for biological reaction and maintain the structure of the human body.