Nitrogen Cycle Basics

Microbes decompose the plant waste, converting it into manure which releases nutrients that can be used by plants again.

The polythene bags, empty glass bottles, and broken plastic toys in pot B do not decompose or convert into manure because the microbes cannot act on them.

Microbes decompose dead organic matter, such as decaying plants and dead animals, causing them to disappear over time.

<p>Pot A contains plant waste that decomposes due to microbial action, while pot B contains non-biodegradable items that do not decompose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The nutrients released during decomposition can be used by plants, enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Observing this difference demonstrates the role of microbes in decomposing organic matter and highlights the impact of non-biodegradable items on the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Certain bacteria and blue-green algae present in the soil fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into usable nitrogen compounds for plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds that plants can absorb through their roots and use for synthesizing proteins and other compounds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi convert nitrogenous wastes from dead plants and animals into usable nitrogen compounds for plants, while some bacteria also release nitrogen back into the atmosphere, maintaining the balance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fermentation is a process carried out by certain microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to preserve food by converting carbohydrates into alcohol or acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter from dead plants and animals, converting it into usable nutrients for other organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some bacteria convert a portion of the nitrogenous compounds back into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere, helping to maintain a relatively constant percentage of nitrogen in the air.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Viruses can only reproduce inside a host organism, such as a bacterium, plant, or animal cell, unlike other microorganisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some microorganisms decompose organic waste and dead plants and animals into simple substances, helping to clean up the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rhizobium bacteria reside in the root nodules of leguminous plants and can fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, increasing soil fertility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Certain bacteria convert compounds of nitrogen present in the soil into nitrogen gas, which is then released back into the atmosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Yeast is used in the commercial production of alcohol, which can be used as a food preservative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blue-green algae can fix nitrogen directly from the air and enhance the fertility of the soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers