Final answer:
Sulfur enters a living system through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sulfur enters a living system through three primary ways:
- Ingestion: Some organisms, such as plants, take up sulfur from the soil through their roots. The sulfur is then incorporated into their cells and used for various functions, including the synthesis of proteins that contain sulfur.
- Inhalation: Sulfur can enter the respiratory system of some organisms, such as humans, through inhalation of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) present in the atmosphere. It can then enter the bloodstream and be distributed to different tissues in the body.
- Skin Absorption: In certain circumstances, sulfur can be absorbed through the skin. This can happen when sulfur-containing substances, such as sulfur ointments or baths, come into contact with the skin.