sulfur
Definition
Sulfur is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is the nonmetal element that is the 16th most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Sulfur is a nonmetallic, yellow, odorous solid at room temperature. It is insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulfide.
Sulfur is found in nature in both elemental and compound forms. The most common elemental form of sulfur is the yellow orthorhombic form, which is found in volcanic gases and deposits. Sulfur is also found in many minerals, such as pyrite (FeS2), gypsum (CaSO4ยท2H2O), and celestite (SrSO4).
Sulfur is an important element in many industrial processes. It is used to make sulfuric acid, which is a strong acid that is used in many industrial processes, such as the production of fertilisers, plastics, and detergents. Sulfur is also used to make gunpowder, matches, and fireworks.
Sulfur is a naturally occurring element that is essential for life. It is found in all living organisms, where it plays a role in many important processes, such as protein synthesis and energy production.
How can the word be used?
The match head was coated with sulfur.
Different forms of the word
Noun: sulfur.
Adjective: sulfurous.
Verb: to sulfurize.
Etymology
The word "sulfur" comes from the Latin word "sulfur", which is borrowed from the Greek word "theion", which means "brimstone". It was first used in English in the 14th century.
The word "sulfurous" means that something contains sulfur or smells like sulfur.
The word "to sulfurize" means to treat something with sulfur.
Question
What is sulfur used for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the role of sulfur in biological systems and its significance in various biochemical processes. Provide an example of a sulfur-containing molecule and explain its function in living organisms.
Answer:
Sulfur plays a crucial role in biological systems, contributing to various biochemical processes essential for life. One example of a sulfur-containing molecule is cysteine, an amino acid found in proteins. Cysteine contains a sulfur-containing group called a thiol (-SH), which forms disulfide bonds with other cysteine molecules. These bonds play a vital role in stabilizing protein structures, influencing their three-dimensional shapes and, consequently, their functions.
For instance, disulfide bonds in proteins like insulin help maintain the hormone's structure, allowing it to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Cysteine's thiol group also participates in redox reactions, where electrons are transferred between molecules, influencing cellular processes like antioxidant defence and signal transduction.
Beyond protein structure, sulfur is integral to the function of enzymes involved in metabolizing sulfur-containing amino acids and producing important molecules like coenzyme A. Additionally, sulfur compounds like glutathione contribute to detoxification by binding to harmful substances and aiding their elimination.