Elements in the Human Body Notes

Elements in the Human Body
For Pre-Health Students!



Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (CHON) are the most common elements in life forms.

Carbon in particular is amazing in that it loves to form four bonds with other atoms. It and hydrogen
are found

as the backbone structure of essentially all biomolecules.



PHOSPHORUS, usually in the form of the large ion PHOSPHA TE:
● is part of the bones and teeth (in the form called hydroxyapatite crystals) - along with phosphates

● Forms the “phosphate backbone” of DNA and RNA

● Is found in adenosine “di” phosphate (so 2 of them) and adenosine “tri” phosphate (3 of them)

● Is found in all biological membranes (phospholipid bilayer). Phosphates are hydrophilic (like water)



CALCIUM:
● is part of the bones and teeth (in the form called hydroxyapatite crystals) - along with phosphates

● Enters axon terminals and causes neurotransmitters to be released

● Causes muscle contraction inside of muscle cells

● Is an important component in blood-clotting



NITROGEN:
● Nitrogenous bases form the “rungs” of DNA and RNA

● Is found in the adenosine part of ADP and A TP

● Is found in all amino acids, which link together to form proteins

● Is found in the nitrogenous wastes urea and creatinine, which are both excreted by the kidneys