Nitrogen Cycle

Front

What gas makes up 78% of our atmosphere?

Back

Nitrogen

Front

Can plants and animals use nitrogen directly from the air?

Back

No, they cannot.

Front

What do free living bacteria in the soil do?

Back

They turn atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates.

Front

What is the process of combining nitrogen gas with other elements to make nitrogen into usable compounds?

Back

Nitrogen fixation.

Front

Do bacteria create a form of nitrogen that animals can use directly?

Back

No, they do not.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

The process of converting nitrogen gas into ammonia or related compounds in soil.

Front

What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

They convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

The process by which bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas.

Front

Why is nitrogen important for living organisms?

Back

It is a key component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is the role of legumes in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

They host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules.