What is the majority compound in cells? What is the majority element in cells? What is the second most major element in cells? Why do animals contain more calcium than plants?
The majority compound in cells is water. To determine this, you can consider the composition of a typical cell. Cells are made up of various molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. However, water is the most abundant compound within cells, making up approximately 70-90% of a cell's mass.
As for the majority element in cells, it is carbon. This is because carbon is the primary building block of organic molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Carbon is unique because it can form up to four covalent bonds, allowing it to create complex and diverse structures.
The second most major element in cells is oxygen. Oxygen is crucial for cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy. It is also a component of many organic molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Regarding why animals contain more calcium than plants, it is primarily due to the difference in their anatomical structure and physiological requirements. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in various biological processes, including muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and bone formation. Animals, especially vertebrates, require higher levels of calcium to maintain their skeletal system compared to plants. While plants do need calcium for cell wall formation, they generally obtain sufficient amounts from the soil. In contrast, animals need to continuously regulate their calcium levels to support their more complex skeletal structures, such as bones, teeth, and shells.