Biochemical Cycle Review

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What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

The process by which nitrogen gas is converted into ammonia or related compounds in soil, making nitrogen usable for plants.

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What role do bacteria play in nitrogen fixation?

Back

Bacteria add hydrogen to nitrogen gas to form ammonia, which can be used by plants.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

The process by which bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere.

Front

How does denitrification benefit the environment?

Back

It helps to maintain the nitrogen balance in the ecosystem by returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.

Front

Why is nitrogen important for living organisms?

Back

Nitrogen is essential for building proteins and amino acids, which are crucial for growth and repair.

Front

What is ammonification?

Back

The process of converting organic nitrogen from dead organisms into ammonia.

Front

What is nitrification?

Back

The process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites and then into nitrates by bacteria.

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What are the two main steps of nitrification?

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1. Ammonia is converted to nitrites (nitritation). 2. Nitrites are converted to nitrates (nitrification).

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What is the significance of nitrates in the ecosystem?

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Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that plants can absorb and use for growth.

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

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The series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment and in living organisms.