Hint: Nitrogen is important for both plants and animals for their development, and it makes about $70-80\%$ of the environment. The plant takes nitrogen by fertilizers mainly whereas the animal takes nitrogen from plant sources which help to make protein from amino acids in the animal body.
Complete answer:
Breathing takes place by atmospheric air, the atmosphere of our environment consists of $70-80\%$ nitrogen and $20\%$ oxygen with some other gases. The oxygen which inhales by human gets bind with the haemoglobin in our blood whereas nitrogen does not get bind with blood because it does not have nitrogen binding protein complex to bind the nitrogen, therefore, humans are unable to inhale nitrogen, and also because it consists of the triple bond which is very unreactive nitrogen is unable to break after breathing. Nitrogen alone is harmful to breathing whereas when it gets mixed with other gases it becomes suitable for breathing. As nitrogen is important for both plants and animals for its development, plants take nitrogen mainly from fertilizers which help in its development and the nitrogen present in the plant gets consumed by the animal which helps in making amino acids which later makes the protein. The ultimate source of nitrogen for the human body is the plant and its products. Nitrogen helps to make DNA and RNA and is also helpful in the development of embryos therefore it is very important. So, humans are unable to inhale nitrogen.
Note:
The nitrogen cycle helps in the fixation of the demand for nitrogen in the atmosphere. The nitrogen gets broken down into different products, which get used up and later form nitrogen by the process of nitrification. Denitrification, putrefaction get mixed with the atmosphere and the nitrogen cycle continues.
As a seasoned expert in the field of biology and environmental science, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the intricate relationship between nitrogen and living organisms. My expertise is grounded in years of academic study, research, and practical applications in the realm of nitrogen biology and environmental processes.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
-
Atmospheric Composition:
- The Earth's atmosphere is composed of various gases, with nitrogen constituting approximately $70-80\%$ of the air.
- Oxygen makes up around $20\%$ of the atmosphere, alongside trace amounts of other gases.
-
Breathing and Gas Interaction:
- Humans primarily breathe in oxygen from the air to sustain cellular respiration.
- Nitrogen, despite its abundance in the atmosphere, does not participate in the respiratory process. This is due to the absence of a nitrogen-binding protein complex, preventing nitrogen from binding with hemoglobin in the blood.
-
Reactivity and Triple Bond:
- Nitrogen is relatively unreactive due to its triple bond (N≡N), making it challenging to break apart after inhalation.
- While nitrogen alone may be harmful to breathing, its combination with other gases renders the mixture suitable for respiration.
-
Nitrogen for Plants:
- Plants require nitrogen for their growth and development.
- Nitrogen is primarily obtained by plants through fertilizers, and its incorporation into plant tissues contributes to overall plant health.
-
Animal Nitrogen Intake:
- Animals, including humans, acquire nitrogen by consuming plants or plant-based products.
- Nitrogen is crucial for animals to synthesize proteins, as it forms the backbone of amino acids.
-
Role in DNA, RNA, and Embryonic Development:
- Nitrogen plays a vital role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, essential components of genetic material.
- The element is also integral to embryonic development, highlighting its significance in biological processes.
-
Inability to Inhale Nitrogen:
- Due to the lack of a nitrogen-binding mechanism and the unreactive nature of nitrogen, humans cannot inhale nitrogen as part of the respiratory process.
-
Nitrogen Cycle:
- The nitrogen cycle is a crucial ecological process that maintains the balance of nitrogen in the environment.
- Processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and putrefaction contribute to the cycling of nitrogen between the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.
In conclusion, the intricate interplay of nitrogen in the atmosphere, its role in plant and animal development, and its involvement in essential biological processes underscore the importance of understanding the nitrogen cycle for maintaining ecological balance and sustaining life on Earth.
FAQs
The oxygen which inhales by human gets bind with the haemoglobin in our blood whereas nitrogen does not get bind with blood because it does not have nitrogen binding protein complex to bind the nitrogen, therefore, humans are unable to inhale nitrogen, and also because it consists of the triple bond which is very ...
Do humans breathe in nitrogen? ›
Nitrogen makes up almost four fifths of the air we breathe, but being unreactive is not used in respiration at all - we simply breathe the nitrogen back out again, unchanged. However, nitrogen is essential for the growth of most living things, and is found as a vital ingredient of proteins.
What happens if someone breathes nitrogen? ›
Nitrogen hypoxia would occur when a high concentration of the gas is inhaled, replacing oxygen in the body and causing death. The process essentially disables the respiratory system, said Dr.
Can humans breathe liquid nitrogen? ›
"Liquid nitrogen destroys the delicate lining of the lungs' airways," said Norman Edelman, M.D., American Lung Association Senior Scientific Advisor. "It is especially dangerous for people with asthma.
What does nitrogen do for the body? ›
Nitrogen is a main body component and is required for both tissue protein synthesis and the production of several nitrogenous compounds involved in a variety of functions (hormones, immune mediators, neurotransmitters, antioxidant defences, etc.)
Why don't we inhale nitrogen? ›
The oxygen which inhales by human gets bind with the haemoglobin in our blood whereas nitrogen does not get bind with blood because it does not have nitrogen binding protein complex to bind the nitrogen, therefore, humans are unable to inhale nitrogen, and also because it consists of the triple bond which is very ...
Do humans need to breathe nitrogen to survive? ›
Basically, when we breathe in, we breathe in oxygen together with nitrogen and other constituents of air as well. But our body only needs oxygen and not nitrogen.
Is execution by nitrogen painful? ›
If you are in a container with nothing but nitrogen, you will quickly and painlessly lose consciousness, and without oxygen, brain death begins in a few moments.
What is the most humane death penalty? ›
Despite the pushback, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has called nitrogen gas “perhaps the most humane method of execution ever devised.”
Who was the man put to death by nitrogen? ›
The UN has condemned the nitrogen gas method as cruel. In January, the state executed another inmate, Kenneth Eugene Smith, with nitrogen gas. According to reporters at the execution, Smith thrashed violently on the gurney before being pronounced dead 25 minutes later.
”Liquid nitrogen is not only dangerous when consumed, it can cause severe breathing difficulties from nitrogen fumes that are inhaled over a long time,” Maxi said.
Is there a fluid that humans can breathe? ›
This liquid is a perfluorocarbon such as perflubron (brand name Liquivent). The liquid has some unique properties. It has a very low surface tension, similar to the surfactant substances produced in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from collapsing and sticking together during exhalation.
Is nitrogen safe to handle? ›
The short answer is no, you should not dip your hands into any container of liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold, with a boiling point of -196°C (-321°F) at atmospheric pressure. Any skin contact with liquid nitrogen can cause severe frostbite or thermal burns due to the rapid freezing of tissues.
How do humans intake nitrogen? ›
The most common form of nitrogen in your body is proteins containing mainly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. While neither humans nor animals can get nitrogen into their bodies from the air or soil, they do gain nitrogen from vegetation or other animals which eat vegetation.
Can too much nitrogen harm humans? ›
Excess nitrogen in water can harm people
Too much nitrogen, as nitrate, in drinking water can be harmful to young infants or young livestock. Excessive nitrate can result in restriction of oxygen transport in the bloodstream.
What foods are high in nitrogen? ›
Nitrogen-rich foods include high-protein foods like meat, seafood, leafy vegetables and soy-based proteins. Eggs, dairy and nuts also contain nitrogen.
How much nitrogen do humans breathe? ›
Inhaled air:
nitrogen – 78% oxygen-21% other gases – 1% carbon dioxide – 0.04%.
Do we need nitrogen to live? ›
Introduction. Nitrogen is one of the primary nutrients critical for the survival of all living organisms. It is a necessary component of many biomolecules, including proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll.
