Forms many
different kinds of
bonds; Makes up
organic compounds;
Combined with
oxygen and glucose
in animals produces
carbon dioxide,
water and energy.
Hydrogen
present in organic
molecules; used quite
often in enzyme
reactions; Creates
proton gradients as a
way to store/generate
energy.
Oxygen
necessary for cells in
order to oxidize
organic compounds;
Necessary for
respiration process;
Essential to human life.
Nitrogen
Makes up amino acids;
Plants and algae convert it
into organic molecules;
Nitrites can be converted
into nitrosamines, a class
of nitrogen compounds
known to cause cancer.
Sulfur
Makes up part of the amino
acids methionine and
cysteine; essential in the
growth of all living things; a
building block of proteins,
enzymes and vitamins.
Phosphorus
Forms part of the nucleotides;
part of our bones and teeth;
Captures energy from
metabolic reaction.