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4.1 Chemical Composition of the Cell

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  1. The elements found in the cell include
    1. carbon, 
    2. oxygen, 
    3. hydrogen, 
    4. nitrogen, 
    5. sulphur, 
    6. phosphorus, 
    7. calcium,
    8. sodium,
    9. potassium, 
    10. magnesium,
    11. iron 
    12. chlorine, 
  2. The chemical compounds in the cell can be classified into two groups, 
    1. organic: compounds which contain the element carbon and originate from living things. Example: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
    2. inorganic: compounds which do not originate from living things. Example: water and mineral salts.
  3. .Organic compounds are synthesised by the cells themselves whereas inorganic compounds are not synthesised by the cells themselves but are obtained from the external environment.