Nitrogen Cycle

Front

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

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds in soil, making it available for plants.

Front

What is the formula for atmospheric nitrogen?

Back

The formula for atmospheric nitrogen is N2.

Front

Gas that makes up 78% of our atmosphere.

Back

Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What process occurs when dead plant and animal matter decomposes and nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere?

Back

Denitrification is the process where nitrogen compounds are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2) and released into the atmosphere.

Front

Do all plants have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots?

Back

False. Not all plants have nitrogen-fixing bacteria; only certain plants, like legumes, have symbiotic relationships with these bacteria.

Front

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

Back

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), which can be used by plants.

Front

What is ammonification in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen from dead organisms is converted into ammonia (NH3) by decomposers.

Front

What is the significance of nitrification in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Nitrification is the process of converting ammonia (NH3) into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-), which are usable forms of nitrogen for plants.

Front

What is the difference between nitrification and denitrification?

Back

Nitrification converts ammonia into nitrates, while denitrification converts nitrates back into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere.

Front

What are the two main types of nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

Back

The two main types of nitrogen-fixing bacteria are free-living bacteria (e.g., Azotobacter) and symbiotic bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium, which live in root nodules of legumes).