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.

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What is nitrification?

Back

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?

Back

Nitrification occurs in the soil.

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How do animals obtain usable nitrogen?

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Animals obtain usable nitrogen by eating plants and other animals.

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What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

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Bacteria break down dead plants and animals, releasing nitrogen back into the atmosphere.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia or related compounds that are usable by living organisms.

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What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen gas?

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78% of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas.

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What are nitrates?

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Nitrates are compounds that contain nitrogen and oxygen, and they are an important source of nitrogen for plants.

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What is denitrification?

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

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What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle?

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The nitrogen cycle is essential for maintaining ecosystem health, as it ensures the availability of nitrogen, a key nutrient for plant growth.