Questions and Answers
What percent of air is nitrogen?
78%
Why is nitrogen essential to life?
Amino and nucleic acids
How do plants and animals get nitrogen if not from the atmosphere?
Nitrogen fixation
What are nitrogen-fixing bacteria?
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What is a major reservoir for ammonia?
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Why do herbivores need nitrogen?
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What is denitrification?
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Study Notes
Nitrogen Cycle Overview
- Nitrogen comprises 78% of Earth's atmosphere, highlighting its abundance.
- Essential for life as it is a key component of amino acids and nucleic acids, critical for all living organisms.
Nitrogen Acquisition in Organisms
- Plants and animals acquire nitrogen through nitrogen fixation, a process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms.
- Nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a crucial role in this process by converting nitrogen gas into ammonia, which is then absorbed by plants.
Key Reservoirs and Needs
- Soil serves as a major reservoir for ammonia, providing a vital source of nitrogen for various organisms.
- Herbivores require nitrogen to synthesize amino acids, nucleic acids, and proteins, essential for growth and energy.
Denitrification Process
- Denitrification is a biological process performed by bacteria and fungi that convert nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere and completing the nitrogen cycle.
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Description
Explore the essential concepts of the Nitrogen Cycle with these informative flashcards. You'll learn about the importance of nitrogen for life, its percentage in the atmosphere, and how plants and animals acquire it through nitrogen fixation. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of this crucial biological cycle.
