What are humans made of
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What Are Humans Made Of?
Human Anatomy and Cellular Structure
Humans are composed of various anatomical structures, including bones, organs, muscles, and nerves. These visible parts have been identified and named by anatomists and physicians over centuries. The invention of the microscope allowed scientists to discover and catalog microscopic structures, such as cells and subcellular organelles, which are fundamental to our body's function1.
Molecular and Genetic Components
Since the 1950s, advancements in molecular biology have expanded our understanding of the human body to include DNA, RNA transcripts, and proteins. These molecular components are crucial for the functioning and regulation of cells. Online databases like GenBank and the Human Protein Reference Database provide comprehensive lists and images of these molecular constituents1.
Metabolites: The Building Blocks
Metabolites are the smallest constituents of the human body and include a wide range of chemical entities such as peptides, amino acids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals. These metabolites act as the building blocks for macromolecules like proteins, RNA, and DNA, playing a critical role in cellular structure and function1.
Chemical Elements in Human Composition
From a chemical perspective, humans are composed of elements found in the soil. Research indicates that the chemical elements present in the soil, such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn), are also found in the human body. Additionally, essential elements like carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) are fundamental to human biology. This connection underscores the idea that humans are, in a sense, created from the same materials as the earth itself2.
Anthropogenic Mass and Human Impact
In a broader context, the mass of human-made objects, known as anthropogenic mass, has now surpassed the total biomass of all living organisms on Earth. This milestone highlights the significant impact humans have on the planet, as the production of anthropogenic mass has doubled approximately every 20 years. This quantification underscores the human-induced epoch known as the Anthropocene, where human activities have become a dominant force in shaping the Earth's environment3.
Conclusion
Humans are composed of a complex array of anatomical structures, molecular components, and chemical elements. From the macroscopic level of organs and tissues to the microscopic level of cells and metabolites, each part plays a vital role in the functioning of the human body. Additionally, the elements that make up our bodies are intrinsically linked to the earth, reflecting a deep connection between humans and the natural world. The growing anthropogenic mass further emphasizes the profound impact humans have on the planet, marking a new era in Earth's history.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Human Metabolome Database: completing the 'human parts list'.
The Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) is a comprehensive database of human metabolites, providing a comprehensive understanding of our body's composition and function.
SOIL AS MATERIAL FOR THE CREATION OF HUMANS, PERSPECTIVES FROM THE HOLY QURAN AND SCIENCE
Humans were created from soil, with the first man being created from dry soil, and the chemical elements present in soil are similar to those in the human body.
Global human-made mass exceeds all living biomass
In 2020, human-made mass will surpass all global living biomass, highlighting the Anthropocene epoch, with each person contributing more than their bodyweight to the human-made mass.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedHow to grow a human Philip Ball How to Grow a Human: Adventures in Who We Are and How We Are Made
The manipulation of various cell types in vitro can potentially create human entities with human DNA, challenging the traditional view of life as a product of nature.
Rigorous JournalEvolution and nucleosynthesis in low mass Asymptotic Giant Branch stars
Low mass AGB stars are responsible for the nucleosynthesis of cosmic s-elements, which are essential for human life and organic chemistry.
Human-thing entanglement: towards an integrated archaeological perspective
Humans depend on things, and the overall entanglement of humans and things determines the success or failure of traits in cultural transmission.
Highly CitedEffects of thirty elements on bone metabolism.
This paper summarizes the effects of thirty elements on bone metabolism, identifying essential, deleterious, and potentially both essential and deleterious elements, and explores their pathways in bone health.
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