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, nitrates, and ammonium, through biological and physical processes.

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What role do bacteria play in the Nitrogen Cycle?

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Bacteria are crucial in the Nitrogen Cycle as they break down dead organisms, release nitrogen back into the atmosphere, and convert nitrogen into forms usable by plants.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a soil form of nitrogen, such as nitrates, that plants can use.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the process by which bacteria convert ammonium (NH4+) into nitrite (NO2-) and then into nitrate (NO3-), which plants can absorb.

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What is denitrification?

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Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen (N2), completing the nitrogen cycle.

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What is ammonification?

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Ammonification is the process of converting organic nitrogen from dead plants and animals into ammonium (NH4+), which can then be used by plants.

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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 ammonium from the soil to build proteins and nucleic acids.

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How does decomposition contribute to the Nitrogen Cycle?

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Decomposition breaks down dead organisms, releasing nitrogen back into the soil and atmosphere, making it available for reuse in the cycle.

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What natural phenomenon can convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates?

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Lightning energy can convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into nitrates (NO3-) during thunderstorms.

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What is the significance of nitrates in the Nitrogen Cycle?

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Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that plants can easily absorb and use for growth, making them essential for plant nutrition.