Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The element that is critical to building proteins as well as nucleic acids is nitrogen.
Nitrogen is an essential element for living organisms as it plays a crucial role in the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids.
Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, along with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The nitrogen atom is part of the amino group (-NH2) that is present in each amino acid.
Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. Nitrogen is a fundamental component of the nitrogenous bases found in nucleic acids. These nitrogenous bases, including adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine (in DNA), and uracil (in RNA), contain nitrogen atoms in their chemical structure.
So, how does nitrogen get into the mix of biomolecule elements?
Plants and some bacteria have the ability to absorb nitrogen from the environment. Nitrogen gas (N2) makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere, but it is in an inert form that cannot be directly used by most organisms. However, certain bacteria in the soil can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form through a process called nitrogen fixation.
Once nitrogen is fixed, it can be taken up by plants through their roots. Animals then obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals. The nitrogen is eventually incorporated into proteins and nucleic acids through the process of synthesis within the cells of organisms.
In summary, nitrogen is a critical element for building proteins and nucleic acids. It is obtained from the environment through processes like nitrogen fixation and is incorporated into biomolecules during the synthesis within living organisms.