The nitrogen cycle is required in order to make proteins and DNA. Nitrogen groups with amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Plants acquire the nitrogen they need from the soil and use it to construct DNA and proteins. These nitrogen compounds are then passed along food chains and then return to the soil from decomposers.
Carbon is a major component in organisms, atmospheric gases, water, and rocks. Carbon influences essential life processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. It also stimulates fossil fuel formation, impacting the earth's climate.
Cell Respiration:Glucose+Oxygen=Water+Carbon
Photosynthesis=Water+Oxygen=Glucose+Carbon
Humans alter the carbon cycle every day at unnatural rates. The major human-induced changes result in an increased amount of carbon dioxide and methane within the atmosphere. The main cause of this is the increased burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, cement manufacturing, cattle farming, and rice farming. Our use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides also leave lasting effects on our air. Human actions have been a main contributor to air pollution as seen on the inforgraphic on the right.
