Name and provide the atomic symbols of the four elements that make up the bulk of all living matter. Which of these is found primarily in proteins and nucleic acids?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the four elements that make up the bulk of all living matter. These are carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N).
2. Understand the role of each element: Carbon is the backbone of organic molecules, hydrogen is involved in energy transfer and pH balance, oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, and nitrogen is a key component of amino acids and nucleotides.
3. Recognize that nitrogen is the element found primarily in proteins and nucleic acids. Proteins are made of amino acids, which contain nitrogen in their amino groups (-NH2). Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) contain nitrogen in their nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil).
4. Learn the significance of nitrogen in biological molecules: Nitrogen is crucial for the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids, which are essential for cellular processes such as enzyme activity and genetic information storage.
5. Review the atomic symbols: Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N) are the four elements, with nitrogen being the one primarily associated with proteins and nucleic acids.

Key Concepts

Elements of Life

The four elements that make up the bulk of all living matter are carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N). These elements are fundamental to the structure and function of biological molecules, forming the backbone of organic compounds essential for life.

Atomic Symbols

Atomic symbols are one- or two-letter abbreviations used to represent chemical elements on the periodic table. For example, carbon is represented by 'C', hydrogen by 'H', oxygen by 'O', and nitrogen by 'N'. These symbols are universally recognized in scientific communication.

Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are crucial macromolecules in living organisms. Nitrogen is primarily found in proteins and nucleic acids, as it is a key component of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and nucleotides (the building blocks of nucleic acids).