The Nitrogen Cycle

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including nitrogen gas, ammonia, nitrates, and organic nitrogen compounds, in the environment.

Front

Why can't plants and animals use nitrogen directly from the air?

Back

Plants and animals cannot use nitrogen directly from the air because nitrogen gas (N2) is not in a form that they can absorb or utilize.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia or related compounds that plants can use.

Front

What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere into forms that plants can absorb, as well as by decomposing organic matter.

Front

What is assimilation in the context of the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Assimilation is the process by which plants and animals incorporate nitrogen from the soil into their own tissues.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

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

Front

What is ammonification?

Back

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

Front

Name three types of organisms involved in the nitrogen cycle.

Back

Plants, animals, and bacteria are the three types of organisms involved in the nitrogen cycle.

Front

What is the importance of the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is important because it recycles nitrogen in the ecosystem, making it available for living organisms to use.

Front

How do plants obtain nitrogen?

Back

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