Importance of non metals in biological system

Presented by Muneeb Shah and Muhammad Umar Farooq

Bioelements
All elements necessary for them maintenance of life Without these elements life on the planet earth is impossible These are categorized into three groups Major or principal elements Minor elements Trace elements

Major or Principal elements

These are elements present in abundance in life forms These elements constitute about 93% of any life form This category contain only nonmetals This group includes hydrogen oxygen carbon and nitrogen

Minor Elements
These elements constitute 5% (by weight) of cellular material It contains both metals and nonmetals Metal elements are calcium potassium sodium magnesium and iron Constitute 3% of total Nonmetals include sulphur chlorine iodine and phosphorus Constitute 2% of total

Trace Elements
Form less than 1% of cellular weight It also includes both metals and nonmetals Metallic trace elements are zinc manganese copper and cobalt Nonmetallic elements are silicon fluorine and boron

Nonmetal in biological systems

Nonmetals essential for life forms are ; hydrogen carbon oxygen nitrogen phosphorus sulphur chlorine iodine fluorine boron and silicon

Hydrogen
Hydrogen forms 63% of human body Important constituent of water Part of every molecule present in living organisms e.g. proteins lipids carbohydrates DNA RNA etc. Responsible for hydrogen bond present between bio molecules i.e. in proteins DNA and RNA Hydrogen ion concentration effect ph of body fluids Role in electron transport chain Being part of hydrogen peroxide act as antibacterial agent Being part of HCl aid in digestion Hydrogen pumps helps in generation of energy

Hydrogen pump
Functioning of hydrogen pump

Oxygen
Forms 25.5% of human body Oxygen is absorbed by blood stream Plays a vital role in breathing and respiration process Important role in metabolism Important constituent of bio molecules and water Protector against disease causing agents Its exposure results in good stamina

Oxygen absorb by blood cells

Process showing absorption process of oxygen

Carbon
Forms 9.5% of human body Forms backbone chain of all bio molecules Carbon dioxide is essential for plant life Helps in maintenance of ph of body in forms of carbonates and bicarbonate

Amino acid molecule

Molecule of an amino acid showing chain made of carbon

Nitrogen
It constitute 1.4% of human body Important part of proteins and nucleic acids Thus important in almost every aspect of life as protein is biological jack of all and nucleic acids are heredity molecules Found in metabolic waste in form of urea uric acid ammonia etc

DNA molecule
Showing importance of nitrogen in life

Phosphorus
0.22% of human body Present in bones in form of phosphate Providing framework to body Important part of cell membrane giving it special ability of being semi permeable Present in lipoproteins Part of energy currency of cells the ATPs Help in maintaining blood sugar levels Help in regular contraction of heart

ATP
Energy currency of cell

chlorine
Forms 0.33% of human body Principal component of electrolyte content of body in form chloride ions It allows transmission of nerve signal Regulate amount of fluids in body Helps to flex the muscles Help to digest food properly Aid in immune system of body Activate salivary amylase Maintain osmotic balance

Transmission of nerve impulse

Role of chloride ion in transmission of nerve impulse

Sulphur
0.05% of human body Protect body from environmental hazards Slows down aging process Help liver to function properly Role in blood clotting Important part of protein Aid in ejecting waste and poisonous material from body Keeps skin clear by producing collagen Makes hair glossy Tones blood Prevent bile secretion

insulin
Insulin showing disulphide linkage

Iodine
Keep thyroid gland healthy Helps to heal wound Helps us to grow and develop Increases thinking process Triggers break down of cholesterol Important for health of heart Controls beat rate Keeps skin nails and hairs healthy Manage blood sugar level

Iodine deficiency causing goiter

Abnormal growth of thyroid gland

Flourine
It strengthen bones and teeth Stimulate bone growth Absence of fluorine cause bones to be brittle and weak

Fluoride for healthier teeth

Prevent break down of enamel

Silicon
Help in maintaining bones along with calcium Aid in formation of connective tissues like ligaments and tendons Influential in preventing veins and arteries from getting hard Keep brain healthy

Selenium
Protect blood cells from chemicals Helps in producing antibodies Keep pancreas healthy Makes body tissue elastic

Hydrogen bond in DNA

The end