THE ELEMENTS OF LIFE

Bulk elements
C, H, N, O, P, S

Macro-minerals and ions

Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, PO43-, SO42-

Trace metal ions

Fe2+, Zn2+, Cu2+

Ultra-trace metal ions

Mn2+, Mo6+, Co2+, V2+, Ni2+

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 ELEMENTAL FUNCTIONALITY

Charge carriers – Na, K, Cl

Structure and templating – Ca, Zn, Si, S

Signaling – Ca, B, N, O, Zn

Buffering – P, C

Catalysis – Zn, Fe, Ni, Mn, V, Co, Cu, W, S,

Se

Electron transfer – Fe, Cu, Mo

Energy storage – H, P, S, Na, K, Fe

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Biomineralization – Ca, Mg, Fe, Si, Sr, Cu, P
 SYMPTOMS OF ELEMENTAL DEFICIENCY IN
HUMANS
ELEMENTAL MOLAR ABUNDANCE OF TRANSITION
METAL IONS

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TRAPS FOR BIOLOGICAL
ELEMENTS

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CARRIERS IN BLOOD
PLASMA

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HYDROLYSIS REACTIONS OF
Fe3+

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BINDING OF O2 BY
MYOGLOBIN

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