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Multiple Choice
Which of the following lists contains the four most abundant elements found in living systems?
A
Sodium, Chlorine, Magnesium, Iron
B
Carbon, Calcium, Oxygen, Sodium
C
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen
D
Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the question. The problem is asking for the four most abundant elements found in living systems, which are essential for life and are involved in biological molecules and processes.
Step 2: Recall the key elements that make up the majority of biological molecules. These elements are Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), and Nitrogen (N). They are the building blocks of macromolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Step 3: Compare the given options to the known essential elements. Sodium, Chlorine, Magnesium, and Iron are important but not the most abundant. Carbon, Calcium, Oxygen, and Sodium include some essential elements but not the correct combination. Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfur are also important but not the most abundant.
Step 4: Identify the correct answer from the options provided. The correct answer is Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen, as these are the four most abundant elements in living systems.
Step 5: Reflect on why these elements are abundant. Carbon forms the backbone of organic molecules, Hydrogen and Oxygen are key components of water and other compounds, and Nitrogen is essential for amino acids and nucleotides.