August 3, 2021 at 11:21 pm by Sean Crommelin Nitrogen is a common and abundant element in the universe, serving many important functions for life on Earth. It makes up much of the atmosphere and our bodies, being a key component of amino acids and proteins, DNA and RNA, and ATP â the molecule which provides energy to many biological processes and living cells. The researchers looked at semi-arid ecosystems, specifically oak savanna and woodland. Sean Crommelin / Daily Nexus In human society, nitrogen also has paramount importance as a component of fertilizers and many other essential products. Quite literally, nitrogen is essential â biologically, environmentally and economically. Nitrogen is even an essential component of climate and climate modeling in how it affects plant growth.Â