A. Elements versus Compounds 1. Elements are composed of a single kind of atom. Compounds are composed of more than one kind of atom. The compounds of life consist primarily of six elements. B. Carbon is the basis of organic chemistry C. Hydrogen, Oxygen 1.
Water is the medium for the chemical reactions of life.
A. Water high an enormous capacity to absorb heat energy. Water is a fluid at typical land and ocean temperatures. Water buffers the physical environment. Water buffers the internal environment. B. Water is polar.