Nitrogen Cycle Basics

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How do microbes help in converting plant waste into manure?

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

What happens to the polythene bags, empty glass bottles, and broken plastic toys in pot B?

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.

Explain the role of microbes in the disappearance of dead organic matter on the ground.

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

Why do you observe a difference in the contents of pots A and B after 3-4 weeks?

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

How can the nutrients released during the decomposition of plant waste be beneficial for plants?

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

What is the significance of observing the decomposition of plant waste in pot A and the lack of change in pot B?

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

How do bacteria and blue-green algae contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

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

What is the importance of nitrogen fixation for plants?

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

Describe the role of microorganisms in the nitrogen cycle.

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. Signup and view all the answers

How do food preservation techniques like fermentation involve microorganisms?

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

What is the significance of microorganisms in the decomposition of organic matter?

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. Signup and view all the answers

How do microorganisms contribute to maintaining the balance of nitrogen in the atmosphere?

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between viruses and other microorganisms?

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

How do some microorganisms help in the decomposition of organic waste and dead plants and animals?

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

What is the role of Rhizobium bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

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

How do certain bacteria help in the nitrogen cycle?

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

What is the role of yeast in food preservation?

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

How do blue-green algae contribute to soil fertility?

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