What are the principle elements in the body? List the 4 major elements in order of their abundance.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
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Correct Answer:
The four major elements in the human body, listed in order of their abundance, are:
- Oxygen (O)
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Nitrogen (N)
Explanation :
The human body is composed of various elements, but four primary elements dominate in terms of mass and biological significance. These are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, making up about 96% of the body’s total mass.
Oxygen is the most abundant element, accounting for approximately 65% of body mass. It is a critical component of water (H₂O), which constitutes the majority of body fluids and tissues. Oxygen is also essential for cellular respiration, a process by which cells generate energy (ATP) using oxygen and glucose.
Carbon is the second most abundant, making up about 18.5% of body mass. It serves as the backbone of all organic molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Carbon’s unique bonding properties allow it to form complex molecules that support life’s structures and processes.
Hydrogen, contributing around 9.5% of body mass, is primarily found in water and organic compounds. Its presence is vital in energy transfer reactions and acid-base balance in bodily fluids. In addition, hydrogen ions (H⁺) play a central role in pH regulation and cellular metabolism.
Nitrogen comprises roughly 3.3% of the body’s mass. It is a crucial element in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and in nucleotides that form DNA and RNA. Without nitrogen, the synthesis of proteins and genetic material would not be possible.
These four elements are fundamental to the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Their abundance and chemical properties enable them to support complex biochemical interactions, cell functions, and life-sustaining systems within the human body.
