Life's Need for Oxygen vs Abundance of Nitrogen

  • Thread starter Abodunrin05
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In summary, life has evolved to adapt to its environment and can survive using different elements as electron acceptors. While oxygen is commonly needed for survival, it is not the only option. Nitrogen is also a crucial element for life, and is obtained through the nitrogen cycle.
  • #1
Abodunrin05
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I just read that life evoles to adapt to its enviroment. So how come life most frequentley needs oxygen for survival, rather than the more abundant nitrogen? :uhh:
 
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  • #2
Life needs nitrogen as well! All those nitrogen atoms in proteins had to come from somewhere..

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/NitrogenCycle.html
 
  • #3
As noted in the link Jikx provided, all life requires nitrogen (and the atmospheric N2) the the main source of it (at least once "fixed"). But not all life requires free, atmospheric O2 to survive. Some species of microorganisms find it downright lethal. Many large organisms (like humans) have evolved a need for O2 because it is such a great terminal electron acceptor used in biochemical processes. But there are several other electron acceptors that are used by other organisms.
 

1. Why is oxygen necessary for life?

Oxygen is necessary for life because it is a key component in the process of cellular respiration. This process allows cells to break down glucose and produce ATP, which is the main energy source for living organisms.

2. How does an abundance of nitrogen impact life on Earth?

An abundance of nitrogen can impact life on Earth in several ways. Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth, so too much or too little can affect the health of plant life. Additionally, nitrogen can contribute to air pollution and the formation of harmful algal blooms in bodies of water.

3. Can organisms survive without oxygen?

Some organisms, such as anaerobic bacteria, can survive without oxygen. However, most organisms on Earth require oxygen for survival. Without oxygen, the process of cellular respiration cannot occur, leading to the death of the organism.

4. How does oxygen affect the Earth's atmosphere?

Oxygen plays a crucial role in the Earth's atmosphere. It makes up about 21% of the atmosphere and is necessary for the formation of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation. Oxygen also helps regulate the Earth's temperature and is a key component in the water cycle.

5. How has the balance of oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere changed over time?

The balance of oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere has remained relatively stable over time. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have led to an increase in carbon dioxide levels and a decrease in oxygen levels. This can have negative impacts on the environment and the organisms that rely on oxygen for survival.

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