The question of human body composition is often a challenge to most scientists and researchers. However, most extant and reputable studies reveal that the human body comprises over twenty elements in different proportions. These elements play vital metabolic roles in human bodies and thus must be present for normal body functioning. Notably, these elements might exist in the body as separate entities or chemically combine to form compounds. In addition, the compounds can further combine to form molecules. However, despite the close resemblance in these substances, they all vary in chemical properties, proportions, and roles in the human body.
An element is a substance that can only be split into simpler substances by physical means, and not chemical reactions and a good example is sodium (Masterton et al., 2015). On the other hand, molecules contain two or more atoms strongly held together by chemical bonds, water being a good example. Unlike elements, molecules can easily be split into separate entities by chemical means. A compound contains two or more ions or atoms of different elements, combined by chemical forces or bonds. Individual elements making up the compound cannot be split by physical means but rather through chemical reactions (Masterton et al., 2015). An example of a compound is sodium carbonate, made up of sodium, carbon, and oxygen.
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The body matter can be defined as a mass of elements, as its cells are made of different elements in varying proportions. Notably, the main elements making up the body matter include oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur make up to 97% of the total body mass of human beings (Beck, 2020). A similar study exemplifies that if an 80kg human body were deconstructed, the result of elements by proportion would be oxygen 52kg, carbon 14.4kg, hydrogen 8kg, nitrogen 2.4kg, and the remaining portion occupied by other elements (Pocock et al., 2013).
In conclusion, elements, compounds, and molecules are dissimilar as they contain various chemical and physical properties. Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen are the primary elements making up the body matter and exist in varying proportions. However, these elements make up a larger percentage of the body matter.
References
Beck, K. (2020). Examples of carbon molecules that have a role in everyday life . Sciencing. https://sciencing.com/six-main-elements-living-organisms-8155041.html
Masterton, W. L., & Hurley, C. N. (2015). Chemistry: principles and reactions . Cengage Learning.
Pocock, G., Richards, C. D., & Richards, D. A. (2013). Human physiology . Oxford university press.
