Ecological and Environmental Microbiology - Env 231
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Questions and Answers

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

  • 75%
  • 60%
  • 80% (correct)
  • 90%

Which process involves converting nitrogen gas into a usable form for living organisms?

  • Nitrification
  • Ammonification
  • Nitrogen fixation (correct)
  • Decomposition

Which microorganisms are primarily involved in ammonification?

  • Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
  • Nitrifying bacteria
  • Ammonifying bacteria (correct)
  • Photosynthetic bacteria

What is required for the process of nitrification to occur?

<p>Aerobic conditions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>They break down proteins and release ammonium ions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of the nitrogen cycle is ammonia converted into nitrates?

<p>Nitrification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about nitrogen fixation is true?

<p>It converts nitrogen gas into forms usable by organisms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of nitrogen for green plants?

<p>Fixed nitrogen compounds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary end product of nitrification that is most usable by plants?

<p>Nitrates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the conversion of nitrates back to nitrogen gas?

<p>Denitrification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the bacterium's enzyme system in relation to the host plant?

<p>To supply reduced nitrogen to the plant (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method of biological nitrogen fixation?

<p>Symbiotic association with plants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of free-living Rhizobia compared to nitrogen-fixing forms?

<p>Straight rods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nitrogen-fixing bacteria are most closely associated with legumes?

<p>Rhizobium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities does Rhizobium perform while in the root nodules?

<p>Fixes nitrogen within the plant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy requirement for the reduction of nitrogen gas to ammonia during biological nitrogen fixation?

<p>16 molecules of ATP (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What material is used to sterilize the work area during the experiment?

<p>Dettol and cotton (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of washing the root nodule with antiseptic?

<p>To avoid contamination (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bacteria are involved in the process of oxidizing ammonium ions to nitrites?

<p>Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which staining method is used to examine the bacteria after preparing the smear?

<p>Gram stain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>They reduce nitrogen gas to ammonia. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly identifies both free-living and symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

<p>Azotobacter and Rhizobium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of ethanol is used to treat the root nodule during the experiment?

<p>95% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During what phase do Rhizobia exhibit different shapes such as T-Y-L-X-V?

<p>Bacteroid phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nitrogen Cycle

A series of processes cycling nitrogen between gaseous form and organic substances in nature.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms other organisms can use, like ammonia.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Microorganisms that fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

Ammonification

The decomposition of organic nitrogen compounds into ammonia and ammonium ions.

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Ammonifying bacteria

Bacteria (and fungi) that break down organic nitrogen compounds into ammonia and ammonium ions.

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Nitrification

A two-step process of converting ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrates.

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Rhizobium

A type of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that has a symbiotic relationship with plants, especially legumes.

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Nitrogen in the atmosphere

The main form of nitrogen in the environment, making up about 80% of air.

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Ammonia (NH3)

A simple compound formed when nitrogen gas is converted into a useable form for plants.

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Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen fixation that occurs when nitrogen-fixing bacteria live in a mutually beneficial relationship with plants.

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Haber Process

Industrial process for producing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen.

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Rhizobium's Role

Rhizobium bacteria provide a steady supply of usable nitrogen to plants, forming a mutually beneficial relationship.

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Nodulation

The formation of root nodules on legume plants, where Rhizobium bacteria reside and fix nitrogen.

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Free-living Rhizobium

Rhizobium bacteria found in soil, not associated with plant roots, and unable to fix nitrogen.

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Bacteroid

The irregular, club-shaped form of Rhizobium bacteria found in nodules, actively fixing nitrogen.

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Rhizobium Characteristics

Rhizobium bacteria are rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, motile, and aerobic.

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Steps of Nodule Formation

The process involves Rhizobium entering deformed root hairs, secreting flavonoids, and changing into Bacteroid form.

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Gram Stain

A method used to identify bacteria based on their cell wall composition and staining characteristics.

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Microscope Use

A tool used to observe and identify microorganisms, like Rhizobium, in detail.

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Study Notes

Ecological and Environmental Microbiology - Env 231

  • Nitrogen in the Air: Nitrogen is essential for life, but the atmospheric nitrogen (N2) form isn't usable by most living organisms.
  • Nitrogen Fixation: This process converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia (NH3), a usable form for plants.
  • The Nitrogen Cycle: A continuous process involving multiple steps that convert nitrogen gas to organic forms and back again. Decomposers and nitrogen bacteria play key roles.
  • Nitrogen Fixation by Rhizobium: Rhizobium is a well-known nitrogen-fixing bacteria that forms symbiotic relationships with legumes (e.g., peas, beans).
  • Nitrogen fixation methods: Atmospheric, industrial (Haber-Bosch), and biological (by bacteria).
  • Biological Fixation (by Bacteria): Nitrogen-fixing bacteria fix around 60% of atmospheric nitrogen gas.
  • Symbiotic Relationship (Rhizobium): Rhizobium bacteria infect legume roots, forming nodules. The plant provides nutrients, and the bacteria convert N2 into ammonia.
  • Free-Living Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria: Azotobacter and Clostridium are examples.
  • Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Structure: Rhizobium bacteria can be bacilli, non-spore forming, motile, and aerobic
  • Other Bacteria: Certain soil bacteria have roles in converting nitrogen compounds (ammonium ions to nitrites then to nitrates). Nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas or Nitrobacter) involve in conversion of Nitrogen to a plant usable form.
  • Denitrification: Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere, thus completing the cycle.
  • Experiment Aim: To determine and identify nitrogen-fixing bacteria using a microscope.

Experiment Details

  • Materials: Root nodules, sterile water, Petri dish, sterile tongs, flame, Dettol, cotton, Ethanol.
  • Methods:
    • Clean the work area.
    • Separate root nodules from the roots.
    • Wash nodules with antiseptic.
    • Put nodule in Ethanol for 30-60 seconds.
    • Transfer to sterile water.
    • Mash nodule in a Petri dish.
    • Prepare a bacterial smear.
    • Stain the bacteria using Gram stain.
    • Examine the bacteria under the microscope.

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Description

Delve into the fascinating world of nitrogen in our environment with this quiz on Ecological and Environmental Microbiology. Learn about the nitrogen cycle, the vital role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, and various nitrogen fixation methods. Test your knowledge on how these processes are essential for sustaining life on Earth.

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