Final answer:
The statement is true; elements such as oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus are major components of the human body and together account for about 98%. Sulfur, while not mentioned in the statement, is also a major element. The proportion of elements within the body is dictated by their availability and necessity for life functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that about 98% of the human body is composed of only six elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorous is true. While these elements are indeed major components of the body, it is important to note the slight variation in that sulfur should also be considered a major element along with these. The four most common elements, often referred to as the building blocks of life, are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. These alone make up approximately 96% of the body's mass. Calcium and phosphorus are also essential but in smaller quantities, contributing to the body's structure and function, such as the formation of bones and teeth. Together, along with sulfur, these elements constitute the majority of the body's mass.
Looking more deeply into the composition of the human body, we find that elements are required in various proportions for optimal physiological functioning. Factors such as availability in an assimilable form play a significant role in determining the concentration of these elements in the body. For example, we gain oxygen from breathing air and drinking water, whereas carbon and nitrogen are mainly obtained from food due to their form in nature.
It is fascinating to consider that, despite the great abundance of hydrogen in the universe, it accounts for only a small percentage of Earth's crust. Yet, it is the most abundant element in cells. This highlights the uniqueness of biological systems and their capacity to concentrate certain elements that are essential to life. Such macronutrients are vital for numerous biochemical reactions that sustain life.