The chemical element with the symbol N is nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential for life, making up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature and is relatively inert, meaning it does not easily react with other elements. Nitrogen is a crucial component of amino acids and nucleic acids, which are fundamental to biological processes such as protein synthesis and genetic replication. In nature, nitrogen undergoes various cycles, particularly the nitrogen cycle, which involves processes like nitrogen fixation and denitrification, playing an integral role in maintaining ecosystem health and fertility.