unit 2: common elements

hydrogen

in all organic molecules. in ion form influences the ph of body fluids

potassium

major positive ion in cells.muscle contraction and nerve impulses

oxygen

in organic and inorganic molecules. needed to produce ATP

iron 

component of hemoglobin. transports oxygen in red blood cells and some enzymes 

iodine

needed to make functional thyroid hormones 

calcium 

found as salt in bones and teeth. ion form required for muscle contractions, conduction of nerve impulses, and blood clotting 

nitrogen

component of proteins and nucleic acids

carbon

organic. arbs, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

phosphorus

in bones and teeth. present in nucleic acids and part of ATP 

chlorine

negative ion is most abundant in extracellular fluids

sulfur

proteins, muscle proteins

sodium

major positive ion in extracellular fluids. water balance, muscle contractions, nerve impulses 

magnesium 

bones. cofactor in some metabolic reactions 

organic molecules

• have Carbon-Hydrogen bonds

• often large and complex, form the basis of life

• carbs, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

inorganic molecules

• do not have carbon-hydrogen bonds

• often smaller and simpler

• water, salts, acids and bases