What are the criteria for essential elements in relation to biological systems. Explain the concept of essentiality.

Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
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ISBN:9781337399425
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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Chapter21: Biochemistry
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What are the criteria for essential elements in relation to biological systems. Explain the concept of essentiality.

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Essential elements are that elements which we need to take it from the food or another external medium, it cannot be synthesized in body e.g., N, K, S etc.

 

Group I: These elements are the basic components of macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. The elements belonging to these groups are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Group II: These are nutritionally important minerals. They are also called as principal elements or macro elements.

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