Nitrogen Cycle - v2

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, nitrites, and nitrates, in the environment.

Front

What role do denitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Denitrifying bacteria convert fixed nitrogen compounds back into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia or related compounds, making it usable for plants and animals.

Front

What organisms are primarily responsible for nitrogen fixation?

Back

Certain bacteria, including Rhizobium and cyanobacteria, are primarily responsible for nitrogen fixation.

Front

What is the significance of nitrification in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites and then into nitrates, which are usable forms of nitrogen for plants.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the process by which nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas, completing the nitrogen cycle.

Front

True or False: The nitrogen in the atmosphere is in a form that living organisms can use directly.

Back

False. The nitrogen in the atmosphere is in the form of nitrogen gas (N2), which is not usable by most living organisms.

Front

What percentage of the Earth's atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas?

Back

Approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas.

Front

What is ammonification?

Back

Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen from dead organisms and waste is converted into ammonia.

Front

How do plants obtain nitrogen?

Back

Plants obtain nitrogen primarily through the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil.