Bioelements Overview and Importance

Bioelements

• Bioelements are the chemical elements needed for a species to develop normally.
• Primary bioelements (CHONPS) are carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S). These make up about 95% of living matter.
• Secondary bioelements (Ca, Na, K, Cl, Mg, Fe, I) are necessary for osmotic balance and metabolism, comprising about 4.5% of living matter.
• Trace/Micronutrients (like Fluorine - F, Copper - Cu, Zinc - Zn, Cobalt - Co) are present in small amounts (around 0.5%) and have specific roles in the organism.

Primary Bioelements (CHONPS)

• Carbon (C): crucial for building organic molecules.
• Hydrogen (H): essential for many biological functions.
• Oxygen (O): plays a vital role in metabolic processes.
• Nitrogen (N): important component of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Phosphorus (P): critical for energy transfer and DNA structure.
• Sulfur (S): a key component of certain amino acids and proteins.

Secondary Bioelements (e.g., Ca, Na, K, Cl, Mg, Fe, I)

• Calcium (Ca): essential for structure and function of bones and teeth.
• Sodium (Na): involved in nerve impulse transmission.
• Potassium (K): crucial for muscle function and nerve impulse transmission.
• Chlorine (Cl): plays a role in maintaining fluid balance.
• Magnesium (Mg): involved in many enzymatic reactions.
• Iron (Fe): vital for oxygen transport.
• Iodine (I): necessary for hormone production.

Trace/Micronutrients (e.g., Fluorine - F, Copper - Cu, Zinc - Zn, Cobalt - Co)

• Fluorine (F): strengthens tooth enamel.
• Copper (Cu): stimulates the immune system.
• Zinc (Zn): regulates protein and lipid metabolism, involved in insulin formation, important for the immune system and membrane stabilization.
• Cobalt (Co): involved in testosterone production.