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, nitrites, nitrates, and organic nitrogen compounds, through biological and physical processes.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the biological process in which ammonia is converted into nitrites and then into nitrates by bacteria in the soil.

Front

Where does nitrification occur?

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Nitrification occurs in the soil.

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What percentage of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas?

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78% of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas.

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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), making it available for use by plants.

Front

Which organisms are primarily responsible for nitrogen fixation?

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Bacteria, particularly those in the root nodules of legumes, are primarily responsible for nitrogen fixation.

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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) by bacteria, returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.

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What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

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Bacteria play crucial roles in the nitrogen cycle, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

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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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What is assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

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Assimilation is the process by which plants and animals take up nitrates and ammonia to build proteins and nucleic acids.