Here’s a overview of the biological roles of main group elements:
1. Alkali Metals (Group 1)
- Sodium (Na⁺): Helps in nerve signals, muscle contraction, and fluid balance.
- Potassium (K⁺): Important for cell function, heartbeat, and nerve transmission.
- Lithium (Li⁺): Used in treating some mental disorders.
2. Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)
- Calcium (Ca²⁺): Builds bones and teeth, helps in blood clotting and muscle function.
- Magnesium (Mg²⁺): Part of chlorophyll in plants, helps enzymes work, and muscle relaxation.
- Barium (Ba²⁺): Used in medical imaging (barium meal).
3. Boron Group (Group 13)
- Boron (B): Important for plant growth and cell wall structure.
- Aluminum (Al): Not essential but sometimes used in vaccines or antacids.
4. Carbon Group (Group 14)
- Carbon (C): Forms all organic molecules (proteins, carbs, fats, DNA).
- Silicon (Si): Important for plant structure and bone health in some animals.
5. Nitrogen Group (Group 15)
- Nitrogen (N): Part of proteins, DNA, RNA, and chlorophyll.
- Phosphorus (P): Part of ATP, DNA, bones, and teeth.
- Arsenic (As): Trace amounts may be essential for some enzymes (but toxic in excess).
6. Chalcogens (Group 16)
- Oxygen (O₂): Essential for breathing and energy production.
- Sulfur (S): Part of amino acids (cysteine, methionine) and vitamins.
- Selenium (Se): Helps antioxidant enzymes work.
7. Halogens (Group 17)
- Fluorine (F⁻): Strengthens teeth enamel.
- Chlorine (Cl⁻): Maintains fluid balance and digestion (HCl in stomach).
- Iodine (I⁻): Needed for thyroid hormones.
- Bromine (Br⁻): Involved in some enzymes (trace amounts).
8. Noble Gases (Group 18)
- Generally inert; not essential biologically.
- Helium, Neon, Argon have no major biological role but are used medically in breathing mixtures or anesthesia.
Summary:
- Metals → help in nerve, muscle, bones, and enzyme functions.
- Nonmetals → part of organic molecules, energy molecules, and hormones.
- Halogens → help in thyroid function, teeth, and digestion.