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, ammonia, and nitrates, and is recycled in the environment.

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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 in soil, making it available for plants.

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What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

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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.

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What is denitrification?

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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.

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What is ammonification?

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

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Why do all living things need nitrogen?

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

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What is assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

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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.

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What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle in ecosystems?

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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.

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What are nitrifying bacteria?

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

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What is the role of legumes in the nitrogen cycle?

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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.