Question

Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen along with two more elements constitute the mass of living organisms. The other two elements are
a. Phosphorus and sulphur
b. Phosphorus and calcium
c. Phosphorus and chloride
d. Sulphur and magnesium

Answer 1

Hint: The human body constitutes the mass of many elements, but there are major six elements necessary for living organisms. These elements constitute the major mass whereas others are found in a very minor amount. These are found throughout the body as water. These elements are the components of biomolecules as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and DNA. Oxygen is present in the highest amount in the body.

Complete answer:
- Approximately 98% of the mass of every living organism including microorganisms such as bacteria(microbes) to the complex body of mammals is constituted of only six elements.
- These elements are carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen(N), Oxygen (O), Phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca).
- Oxygen and carbon are the two essential elements that affect life.
- Without carbon, life cannot exist.
- Phosphorus plays an important role in the formation of teeth and bones, in making proteins needed for growth and maintenance. Also useful in the repair of cells and tissues.
- Calcium forms as well as maintains bones and teeth. It is also required for the movement of muscles and nerves to transmit messages between the brain and other body parts.
- Sulphur and magnesium are present in very low quantities.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
- The accurate level of calcium in the body prevents osteoporosis.
- The deficiency of calcium causes Hypocalcemia.
- Oxygen is a necessary element. It is required to burn the fuel. From the lungs, oxygen is transported to the whole body by RBCs to produce energy.
- Amino acids constitute nitrogen, these are the building blocks of proteins in muscles, hair, skin, and other tissue.

Note: Major elements of the body are carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. These are the essential elements of our body Without these elements the body could not function. Many problems arise due to the lack or deficiency of these major elements. If humans skip the intake of any of a major element they will die. The building block of all the cells is carbon. Life is impossible without carbon. Nitrogen is the major component of nucleic acids DNA and RNA.