Cell Biology/Introduction/The elements of life

The various elements that make up the cell are:


 * 59% Hydrogen (H)
 * 24% Oxygen (O)
 * 11% Carbon (C)
 * 4% Nitrogen (N)
 * 2% Others - Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S), etc.

The difference between these elements is their respective atomic weights, electrons, and in general their chemical properties. A given element can only have so many other atoms attached. For instance carbon (C) has 4 electrons in its outer shell and thus can only bind to 4 atoms; Hydrogen only has 1 electron and thus can only bind to one other atom. An example would be Methane which is CH4. Oxygen only has 2 free electrons, and will sometimes form a double bond with a single atom, which is an 'ester' in organic chemistry (and is typically scented).

As for the organic molecules that make up a typical cell:


 * 50% protein
 * 15% nucleic acid
 * 15% carbohydrates
 * 10% lipids
 * 10% Other

Here is a list of Elements, symbols, weights and biological roles.