Nitrogen Cycle Review

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the process in which nitrogen moves from the abiotic environment (like the atmosphere) to the biotic environment (like plants and animals) and back again.

Front

What is the formula for nitrogen gas in the atmosphere?

Back

N₂

Front

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

Back

False

Front

What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form that plants can use.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas (N₂) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH₃) or related compounds in the soil.

Front

What is the importance of nitrogen for plants?

Back

Nitrogen is essential for plant growth as it is a key component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates (NO₃) back into nitrogen gas (N₂), returning it to the atmosphere.

Front

What is the primary source of nitrogen in the atmosphere?

Back

The primary source of nitrogen in the atmosphere is nitrogen gas (N₂), which makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is ammonification?

Back

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

Front

What is nitrification?

Back

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia (NH₃) is converted into nitrites (NO₂) and then into nitrates (NO₃) by bacteria.