Which combination of elements is most prevalent in living organisms?

The combination of elements most prevalent in living organisms is best represented by CHON, which stands for Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen. These four elements are fundamental building blocks of biological molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), lipids, and carbohydrates, playing critical roles in the structure and function of cells.

While CHONP, which includes phosphorus in addition to the four elements, is also significant, particularly because phosphorus is essential for the formation of DNA and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), it is not as universally applicable across all life forms when compared to the essentiality of CHON. The presence of CHON encompasses a broader array of organic compounds necessary for life, but CHONP highlights the specific role of phosphorus in certain biomolecules.

Thus, CHON is the most comprehensive and foundational combination of elements for the study of living organisms, covering the essential components that form the diverse range of organic molecules necessary for life.