Nitrogen Cycle

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What is the nitrogen cycle?

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The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including atmospheric nitrogen, ammonia, nitrates, and organic nitrogen compounds, through biological and physical processes.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), which can be used by plants.

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What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

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Bacteria are essential in the nitrogen cycle as they perform processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification, helping to convert nitrogen into forms usable by plants and animals.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-), which plants can absorb.

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What is denitrification?

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

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What is assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

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Assimilation is the process by which plants absorb ammonium or nitrate from the soil to create organic molecules like DNA and proteins.

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What is ammonification?

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Ammonification is the process of converting organic nitrogen from dead organisms and waste into ammonia.

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Which nitrogen molecule is most abundant in the atmosphere?

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Nitrogen gas (N2) is the most abundant nitrogen molecule in the atmosphere.

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How do plants obtain nitrogen?

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Plants obtain nitrogen primarily through the absorption of nitrates and ammonium from the soil.

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What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle?

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The nitrogen cycle is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health, as nitrogen is a key nutrient for plant growth and is essential for the production of proteins and nucleic acids.