The common name for the gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen. This colorless, odorless gas plays a crucial role in the environment and is essential for life. Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which are vital for the growth and development of living organisms. Despite its abundance, nitrogen is largely inert under normal conditions, meaning it does not readily react with other elements. This property contributes to the stability of the atmosphere. The nitrogen cycle is essential for maintaining ecological balance, as it involves various processes for converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants and animals.