n₂.si
Nitrogen field guide · panel 39

Atlas: nitrogen in biomolecules

Nitrogen is part of amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, DNA, RNA, and many other biomolecules. Organisms build and recycle these molecules.

Proteins

Amino acids contain nitrogen and are assembled into proteins. Protein structure and function depend on the amino-acid sequence and how it folds and interacts. Nitrogen is essential but is one of several elements in each molecule.

Nucleic acids and recycling

DNA and RNA nucleotides contain nitrogenous bases. Urea, CO(NH₂)₂, is an important nitrogen waste product in many mammals. Decomposition and microbes return nitrogen to ecosystems.

Fact capsuleDNA's double helix uses nitrogen-containing bases as precise pairing partners.

Sources and further reading

These references are starting points. Check the source directly for definitions, dates, units, and context. This is an educational overview, not an operating manual or professional advice.

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