Flashcardziz Review Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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The process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds in soil, making it available for plant uptake.

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What is nitrification?

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The process by which bacteria in the soil convert ammonia into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-), which plants can absorb.

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What is denitrification?

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The process by which bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N2), releasing it into the atmosphere and completing the nitrogen cycle.

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What is respiration?

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The biochemical process in which organisms take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, producing energy.

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What is combustion?

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A chemical process of burning that involves the reaction of a substance with oxygen, producing heat and light.

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What is photosynthesis?

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The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

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What are fossil fuels?

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Natural substances formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, used as a source of energy (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas).

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What is carbon dioxide?

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A colorless, odorless gas produced by respiration and combustion, and is a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

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What is assimilation in the context of the nitrogen cycle?

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The process by which plants and animals incorporate nitrogen from nitrates and ammonia into organic molecules like proteins.