The only exception is hydrogen (H), which is made of one proton and one electron. These combinations continue until entire multicellular organisms are formed.Īll atoms contain protons, electrons, and neutrons. In multicellular organisms, such as animals, molecules can interact to form cells that combine to form tissues, which make up organs. They contain atoms that combine together to form molecules. If a hydrogen atom were broken down into subatomic particles, it would no longer have the properties of hydrogen.Īt the most basic level, all organisms are made of a combination of elements. Hydrogen atoms cannot be broken down into anything smaller while still retaining the properties of hydrogen. For example, one hydrogen atom has all of the properties of the element hydrogen, such as it exists as a gas at room temperature, and it bonds with oxygen to create a water molecule. AtomsĪn atom is the smallest component of an element that retains all of the chemical properties of that element. These unique properties allow elements to combine and to bond with each other in specific ways.
The remaining 26 elements are unstable and, therefore, do not exist for very long or are theoretical and have yet to be detected.Įach element is designated by its chemical symbol (such as H, N, O, C, and Na), and possesses unique properties. A total of 118 elements have been defined however, only 92 occur naturally, and fewer than 30 are found in living cells. Each element is made of atoms, each with a constant number of protons and unique properties. All matter is composed of elements, substances that cannot be broken down or transformed chemically into other substances. At its most fundamental level, life is made up of matter.
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