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 nitrogen gas (N2), ammonia (NH3), nitrates (NO3-), and organic nitrogen compounds. It involves processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds in soil, making nitrogen available for plants.

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What role do legumes play in the nitrogen cycle?

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Legumes are plants that have symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, allowing them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

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What is denitrification?

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Denitrification is the process by which nitrates (NO3-) are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2) by bacteria, thus replenishing nitrogen in the atmosphere.

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What is the formula for atmospheric nitrogen?

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N2

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

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Plants and animals cannot use nitrogen directly from the air because it exists as nitrogen gas (N2), which is not in a chemically reactive form that they can absorb.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the process by which ammonia (NH3) is converted into nitrates (NO3-) by bacteria in the soil, making nitrogen available for plant uptake.

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What is ammonification?

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Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen compounds are decomposed by bacteria and fungi into ammonia (NH3), which can then be used by plants.

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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 critical nutrient for plant growth and development.

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What are the main processes involved in the nitrogen cycle?

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The main processes involved in the nitrogen cycle are nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification.