Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle

Match the following processes with their roles in the nitrogen cycle.

• Nitrate conversion to nitrogen gas

• To fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants

• Nitrogen gas conversion

• To decompose organic matter into carbon dioxide

• Organic matter decomposition

• To convert nitrogen gas into oxygen

• Atmospheric nitrogen fixation

• To produce nitrogen gas from nitrates

Answer explanation

The primary role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle is to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, such as ammonia. This process is essential for plant growth and maintaining ecosystem health.

During a biology class, Arjun asked why nitrogen is essential for living organisms.

• It is a major component of carbohydrates.

• It is necessary for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids.

• It is used in the production of glucose.

• It is a primary source of energy.

Answer explanation

Nitrogen is essential for living organisms because it is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and nucleotides, which make up nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

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In a school science project, Abigail is studying the nitrogen cycle. Which process involves the conversion of ammonia into nitrites and nitrates?

• Nitrogen fixation

• Nitrification

• Denitrification

• Ammonification

Answer explanation

Nitrification is the process in the nitrogen cycle where ammonia is converted into nitrites and then into nitrates, making it essential for soil fertility and plant growth.

In a school science project, Aria and Kai are studying the nitrogen cycle. Describe the role of denitrifying bacteria in their experiment.

• They convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, releasing it back into the atmosphere.

• They fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

• They decompose organic matter into ammonia.

• They convert ammonia into nitrites.

Answer explanation

Denitrifying bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is then released back into the atmosphere. This process helps maintain the balance of nitrogen in ecosystems.

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Match the following processes with their contributions to the ecosystem's balance.

• Oxygen cycle

• By producing carbon dioxide for photosynthesis

• Nitrogen cycle

• By maintaining the water cycle

• Carbon cycle

• By recycling nitrogen through different forms, supporting plant and animal life

• Water cycle

• By providing a continuous supply of oxygen to the atmosphere

Answer explanation

The nitrogen cycle recycles nitrogen through various forms, such as ammonia and nitrates, which are essential for plant growth. This supports the entire food web, maintaining the ecosystem's balance.

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Maya is learning about sustainable farming practices. What is the significance of nitrogen fixation in agriculture?

• It increases the oxygen content in the soil.

• It enhances the soil's ability to retain water.

• It provides essential nutrients for plant growth.

• It reduces soil erosion.

Answer explanation

Nitrogen fixation is crucial in agriculture as it converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, providing essential nutrients for their growth and improving soil fertility.

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During a biology class, Abigail and Zoe are discussing how plants absorb nutrients. Identify the form of nitrogen that plants can directly absorb and utilize: (a)  

Answer explanation

Plants can directly absorb nitrates (NO3-) as they are a readily available form of nitrogen. Nitrogen gas (N2) is not usable by plants, while ammonia (NH3) and nitrites (NO2-) require further conversion.

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Zoe and Noah are studying the impact of human activities on the nitrogen cycle for their environmental science project. Evaluate the impact of these activities.

• They have no significant impact.

• They increase the natural nitrogen fixation process.

• They lead to an excess of nitrogen in water bodies, causing eutrophication.

• They decrease the amount of nitrogen available in the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

Human activities, such as agriculture and industrial processes, increase nitrogen runoff into water bodies, leading to eutrophication. This excess nitrogen promotes algal blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life.

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During a biology class, Avery and Scarlett are discussing soil processes. Which of the following best describes the process of ammonification?

• Conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia

• Conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia

• Conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas

• Conversion of ammonia into nitrites

Answer explanation

Ammonification is the process where organic nitrogen from dead organisms and waste is converted into ammonia. This distinguishes it from other nitrogen processes, making 'Conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia' the correct choice.

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Anika is studying the impact of a disruption in the nitrogen cycle on plant growth in her school garden project. The consequence of this disruption is (a)  

• Increased plant growth due to more
• No effect on plant growth
• Reduced plant growth due to lack of
• Plants will switch to using carbon

Answer explanation

A disruption in the nitrogen cycle leads to a lack of available nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. Without sufficient nitrogen, plants cannot synthesize proteins and nucleic acids, resulting in reduced growth.

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