Nitrogen Cycle Vocab

Front

What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

Back

A repeating cycle of processes during which nitrogen moves through both living and nonliving things: the atmosphere, soil, water, plants, animals, and bacteria.

Front

What is Nitrogen Fixation?

Back

The initial step where atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) is converted into a usable form like ammonia (NH3) and nitrates by bacteria or lightning.

Front

What happens during Nitrification?

Back

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil and use these to make proteins.

Front

What is Assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

When an animal eats a plant, nitrogen from the plant’s proteins becomes proteins in the animal.

Front

What occurs during Ammonification?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing nitrogen back into the soil as ammonia (NH3); nitrifying bacteria can convert it into nitrates for plants to absorb.

Front

What is Denitrification?

Back

Bacteria convert nitrate (NO3) back into nitrogen gas (N2), which is released back into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification, helping to convert nitrogen into various forms usable by plants and animals.

Front

How do plants contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil to build proteins, which are then transferred to animals when they consume the plants.

Front

What is the importance of the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is essential for replenishing the nutrients in the soil, supporting plant growth, and maintaining the balance of nitrogen in the atmosphere.