Final answer:
Nitrogen is a widely distributed nonmetal that is essential in various cellular processes and is found in cell protoplasm, DNA, animal tissues and bones. It is also one of the main elements in fertilizers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nitrogen is a widely distributed nonmetal that is never found in its free, elemental state. It is an essential component in all cell protoplasm, DNA, and various animal tissues and bones. Additionally, nitrogen is one of the three main elements in fertilizers. It is necessary for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and other cell constituents.
Nitrogen accounts for about 50 percent of the total composition of a cell and represents 12 percent of the total dry weight of a typical cell.