What gas makes up approximately 78% of the atmosphere and is essential for protein manufacturing?

Nitrogen is the gas that comprises about 78% of Earth's atmosphere and plays a vital role in the biological processes necessary for life, particularly in protein manufacturing. Proteins are formed from amino acids, many of which contain nitrogen. This element is a key component of amino acids and nucleotides, which are the building blocks of proteins and nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA), respectively.

In nature, nitrogen is primarily found in its gaseous form (N2), which is relatively inert and does not readily react with other substances in the atmosphere. However, certain processes, such as nitrogen fixation by bacteria in the soil or lightning strikes, convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can utilize, ultimately entering the food web and supporting animal life as well. Thus, understanding nitrogen's role highlights its importance not only in the atmosphere but also in the foundational processes of life on Earth.