The seventh element of the periodic table between carbon and oxygen is Nitrogen.
It’s an important part of amino acids.
Around eighty percent of the Earth’s atmosphere comprises nitrogen gas.
Nitrogen is maintained on earth with the help of nitrogen cycle.
Biological nitrogen fixation in the nitrogen cycle ensures that it is available to the plants in the form of nitrates, nitrites and ammonia.
Animals in turn get the nitrogen when they directly or indirectly feed on the plants.
Importance of nitrogen:
The major components of all living cells include proteins (polymers of amino acids) and genetic components (DNA and RNA).
Amino acids, DNA and RNA have nitrogen element.
Therefore, all living cells require nitrogen.
Also, nitrogen gas is inert in nature.
As the major component of the atmospheric gases is nitrogen gas, it helps in making the environment of the Earth inert, preventing chemical reactions like fire, etc.
Therefore, nitrogen is important for the sustainability of life on Earth.