The Biologist's Periodic Table

5. Found as a negative ion and helps the human body maintain a balanced pH.
6. A component of hemoglobin and certain enzymes.
7. Component of all organic molecules and water; as ion influences pH of cellular and body fluids.
8. Important in nerve function and muscle contraction and helps maintain water balance.
11. Critical for plant protein synthesis and is important in animal nerve function.
12. Forms the backbone of all organic molecules.
13. Used by plants during photosynthesis.
16. Component of some amino acids.
17. A component of the vitamin B12 (needed for maturation of red blood cells).
18. Needed to metabolize iron.
19. An important cofactor for plants to help them metabolize nitrogenous foods.
20. Activates plant and animal enzymes and is a component of chlorophyll.

1. Needed for aerobic respiration and is a component of all organic compounds.
2. Used to make thyroid hormones.
3. Required by plants to make chlorophyll and by humans to maintain a healthy digestive system.
4. Plays a role in nitrogen fixation and is a component of some enzymes.
9. Activates plant and animal enzymes.
10. A component of amino acids, hormones, and coenzymes.
11. A component of nucleic acids, phospholipids, ATP and coenzymes.
14. Maintains bone structure.
15. Part of the structure of bones and teeth, involved in blood clotting, triggers muscle contraction, and is needed to maintain plant cell walls and membranes.