The materials used in building the bodies of living things are limited to the atoms and molecules that make up this planet. To maintain life on Earth, matter must be recycled. Cycling of Organic Matter Living things are constantly cycling matter through their bodies and in ecosystems; break down organic matter and rebuild it. Organic…
Nitrogen is required by living things to: 1. make proteins, become enzymes and make up the structures of living things 2. make nucleic acids that become DNA, the hereditary material of living things – 80% of the air around us is nitrogen gas (N2) but N2 cannot be used by most living things – N2…
All living things are on Earth are carbon based life forms, carbon is the essential element for all living things. On Earth, inorganic carbon (CO2) can be found: 1. in the atmosphere. 2. dissolved in oceans. Organic carbon is found in only one place: 1. as part of the bodies that are living things. Cycling…