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, and nitrates, and is recycled in the environment.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

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

Front

What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria are essential in the nitrogen cycle as they convert nitrogen gas into usable forms for plants (nitrogen fixation) and help decompose organic matter, releasing nitrogen back into the atmosphere.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere and completing the nitrogen cycle.

Front

What is ammonification?

Back

Ammonification is the process of converting organic nitrogen from dead plants and animals into ammonia, which can then be used by plants.

Front

Why do all living things need nitrogen?

Back

All living things need nitrogen to produce essential biomolecules such as amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).

Front

What is assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Assimilation is the process by which plants and animals take up nitrogen in the form of ammonia or nitrates and incorporate it into their own biological tissues.

Front

What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle in ecosystems?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health as it ensures the availability of nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth and, consequently, for the entire food web.

Front

What are nitrifying bacteria?

Back

Nitrifying bacteria are microorganisms that convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates, which are usable forms of nitrogen for plants.

Front

What is the role of legumes in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

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