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The Types of Atoms That Make Up Proteins

Proteins are the building blocks of every living thing. According to the Georgia State University HyperPhysics Project, as much as 75 percent of the dry weight of a human body is protein. Proteins are long chain molecules made up of combinations of 20 amino acids. In turn, the 20 amino acids are complex combinations of five different atoms.

  1. Hydrogen

    • Hydrogen is the lightest element found in nature. "H" on the periodic table, hydrogen has an atomic number of 1, with one proton and one electron. It is a nonmetal, meaning it does not conduct heat or electricity well. At room temperature, 298 kelvins or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, hydrogen is a gas. Hydrogen is present in all 20 of the essential amino acids.

    Carbon

    • Carbon is the fundamental component of life. All living things contain carbon. "C" on the periodic table, carbon has an atomic number of 6 with six protons and six electrons. It is a nonmetal, meaning it does not conduct heat or electricity well. At room temperature, 298 kelvins or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, carbon is a solid. Carbon is present in all 20 of the essential amino acids.

    Nitrogen

    • Nitrogen is one of the most abundant elements in nature, making up 78 percent of Earth's atmosphere. "N" on the periodic table, nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 with seven protons and seven electrons. It is a nonmetal, meaning it does not conduct heat or electricity well. At room temperature, 298 kelvins or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, nitrogen is a gas. Nitrogen is present in all 20 of the essential amino acids.

    Oxygen

    • Oxygen makes up 21 percent of Earth's atmosphere and is necessary to sustain life. "O" on the periodic table, oxygen has an atomic number of 8 with eight protons and eight electrons. It is a nonmetal, meaning it does not conduct heat or electricity well. At room temperature, 298 kelvins or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, oxygen is a gas. Oxygen is present in all 20 of the essential amino acids.

    Sulfur

    • Sulfur (spelled sulphur in the British system) is yellow in its natural state. "S" on the periodic table, sulfur has an atomic number of 16 with 16 protons and 16 electrons. It is a nonmetal, meaning it does not conduct heat or electricity well. At room temperature, 298 kelvins or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, sulfur is a solid. Sulfur is present in only one of the essential amino acids--methionine. Humans cannot synthesize methionine and must get it from foods such as eggs and ocean fish.

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