Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sulfur is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It's an essential element for all life, being a component of certain amino acids and vitamins.
These are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. They include a basic amino group (NH2), an acidic carboxyl group (COOH), and any of various side groups.
Large biomolecules or macromolecules consisting of one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms.
Vitamins: Organic molecules that are essential micronutrients which an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism.