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 organic nitrogen, through biological and physical processes.

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What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

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Bacteria convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into a usable form for plants and animals, primarily through processes like nitrogen fixation and nitrification.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds, making it available for plants.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-), which plants can absorb.

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How do plants obtain nitrogen?

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Plants absorb nitrogen in the form of nitrates from the soil, which they use to synthesize proteins and nucleic acids.

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What is denitrification?

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Denitrification is the process by which nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2), returning it to the atmosphere and completing the nitrogen cycle.

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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 all living organisms.

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What is the main source of nitrogen in the atmosphere?

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Nitrogen gas (N2) makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.

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How do animals obtain nitrogen?

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Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals, as they need it for building proteins and other essential compounds.

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What are free-living bacteria?

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Free-living bacteria are bacteria that live in the soil and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into forms that plants can use.