Nitrogen Cycle Review

Front

What are the two main biological molecules that nitrogen is used to produce?

Back

DNA and proteins

Front

Where is the majority of nitrogen found in the Earth's environment?

Back

In the atmosphere

Front

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

They convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.

Front

What is the primary function of legumes in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

To fix nitrogen.

Front

What process converts free nitrogen into a usable form for plants?

Back

Nitrogen fixation.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

The process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds in soil.

Front

What are nitrifying bacteria responsible for in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

They convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

The process by which nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2), returning it to the atmosphere.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

They break down organic matter, releasing nitrogen back into the soil as ammonia.

Front

What is the significance of ammonification in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

It is the process of converting organic nitrogen from dead organisms into ammonia.