EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Once nitrogen is converted into compounds like ammonium and nitrate, these can be taken up from soils by plants and then the nitrogen can be used to form macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Nitrogen is a crucially important component for all life.

Detailed explanation-2: -All living things need nitrogen to build proteins and other important body chemicals. However, most organisms, including plants, animals and fungi, cannot get the nitrogen they need from the atmospheric supply. They can use only the nitrogen that is already in compound form.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nitrogen is in all amino acids and nucleotides, and therefore in all proteins and nucleic acids. Nitrogen is also a major component of the chitin that makes up the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Detailed explanation-4: -All living cells need nitrogen to make nucleic acids, proteins, and other cellular constituents. Plants absorb nitrogen and put them into amino acids and proteins.

Detailed explanation-5: -Dinitrogen is the most common form. It makes up 78 percent of the atmosphere but cannot be used by plants. It is taken into the soil by bacteria, some algae, lightning, and other means. Nitrate is the form of nitrogen most used by plants for growth and development.