1.Nitrogen is part of many organic compounds.
2. Most are associated with elements that are similar to them, compared to biology they contradict each other.
3.Potassium and sodium are both members of the group called the Alkali metals. We don't keep them because of how easily they react with the environments around them.
Summary
In his chapter Kean begins to compare elements in terms of biology so that all elements are fairly predictable until they are put next to biology. Take nitrogen, although it makes up 80% of the earth's atmosphere, when inhaled as a pure substance it's pretty dangerous. It creeps its way into the body (like a ninja. Haha the element of surprise) and slowly knocks us out and we die (the end). Titanium, when the body detects foreign material, whether good or bad, it surrounds it with collagen to prevent contamination. This does not occur with titanium, which makes sense why titanium is often used for prosthetics.
The body has evolved in many ways to combat intruders. One of the primary ways that the body prevents harmful exposure to certain chemicals is through the senses. Due to similarities between certain elements, some can pass through “disguised” (like a spy) as others. This is what occurs between potassium and sodium.
Reflection
This chapter was kinda boring (“biology is not a science”-Mr. Apodoca). However, the story about Gandhi and India on iodine salt was interesting. Its interesting how elements react to our bodies compared to non living things.
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