Chapter 35, Problem S2.1BYB

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The essential elements basic to all living things.

Introduction:

All living things require some basic elements. Without these essential elements, life would not exist.

Explanation of Solution

There are six basic or main elements that are required for life and they are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. These elements are responsible for important functions of living things. For example, phosphorus is present in the form of phospholipids which is one of the major components of cell membranes. It forms a lipid bilayer that keeps ions, proteins and some other molecules inside the cell membrane. In these six elements carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen make up about 96% of the human body.

Conclusion

A living cell is made up of 59% hydrogen, 24% oxygen, 11% carbon, 4% nitrogen, and 2% phosphorus, and sulfur.