The Nitrogen Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

Back

The Nitrogen Cycle describes how nitrogen moves between various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.

Front

What is Assimilation in the Nitrogen Cycle?

Back

Assimilation is the process where green plants absorb nitrates from the soil, which are then consumed by animals.

Front

What is Denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the process where nitrates in the soil are converted back into atmospheric nitrogen, allowing the nitrogen cycle to restart.

Front

What is Ammonification?

Back

Ammonification is part of the decay process where ammonia is produced and absorbed into the soil.

Front

What is Nitrification?

Back

Nitrification is the process where nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates.

Front

What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the Nitrogen Cycle?

Back

Nitrifying bacteria are essential for converting ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates, which plants can use.

Front

What is the significance of nitrogen in living organisms?

Back

Nitrogen is a crucial element for the formation of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which are essential for life.

Front

How do plants contribute to the Nitrogen Cycle?

Back

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil during assimilation, which helps incorporate nitrogen into the food web.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in the Nitrogen Cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, releasing ammonia into the soil through ammonification.

Front

What is Nitrogen Fixation?

Back

Nitrogen Fixation is the process where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia by certain bacteria, making it available for plants.