Final answer:
Elements are the name for all physical material in the universe. They are unique forms of matter that cannot be broken down into smaller substances by ordinary chemical reactions. Some of the most abundant elements in living organisms are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
Step-by-step explanation:
At its most fundamental level, life is made up of matter. Matter is any substance that occupies space and has mass. Elements are unique forms of matter with specific chemical and physical properties that cannot be broken down into smaller substances by ordinary chemical reactions. Some of the most abundant elements in living organisms include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. These elements form the major biological molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids that are the fundamental components of living matter.