Cycles of Matter

Front

What is the process of eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen, often caused by runoff from fertilizers and manure.

Front

What are the two main nutrients that contribute to eutrophication?

Back

Nitrogen and phosphorus.

Front

Why is phosphorus important for living organisms?

Back

Phosphorus is essential for the formation of DNA, RNA, ATP (energy currency of cells), and phospholipids, which are crucial for cell membranes.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that plants can absorb and use, primarily through the action of certain bacteria.

Front

Which organisms are primarily responsible for nitrogen fixation?

Back

Certain bacteria, including those in the root nodules of legumes.

Front

What are amino acids?

Back

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.

Front

What is the overall purpose of photosynthesis?

Back

The overall purpose of photosynthesis is to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which plants use as food.

Front

What are the reactants of photosynthesis?

Back

The reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

Front

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Back

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy, primarily from the sun, to drive the process of photosynthesis.

Front

What is cellular respiration?

Back

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.