Questions and Answers
What is 'free' nitrogen?
When nitrogen is not combined with other molecules.
What is an example of 'free' nitrogen?
N2
What organism takes 'free' nitrogen and makes it 'fixed'?
Nitrogen fixing bacteria
What ways can nitrogen become 'fixed'?
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If too many nitrates enter surface waters, what could rapidly grow and reproduce?
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What happens if babies are exposed to large amounts of nitrogen?
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Why are farmers worried about large amounts of nitrogen on their farms?
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What are health effects of large amounts of nitrogen?
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What are some ways nitrogen can enter our water?
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What are some ways nitrogen can enter our air?
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Which of the 4 spheres involves organisms?
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Which of the 4 spheres involves air?
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Which of the 4 spheres involves water?
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Which of the 4 spheres involves rocks and soil?
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Name three kinds of plants that have nitrogen fixing bacteria on them.
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Why is nitrogen used on crops?
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How are animals able to obtain nitrogen?
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Here bacteria change free nitrogen into fixed nitrogen called ammonium. What is this process called?
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Nitrates are what the plants can then absorb. What is this process called?
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Which process takes extra nitrates in the soil and puts the nitrogen back out into the air as free nitrogen by denitrifying bacteria?
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Study Notes
Nitrogen Cycle Overview
- Free nitrogen refers to nitrogen that is not bound to other molecules, primarily existing as N2.
- Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert free nitrogen into a "fixed" form usable by plants.
Nitrogen Fixation
- Organisms like nitrogen-fixing bacteria, as well as natural events like lightning, are responsible for fixing nitrogen.
- Fixed nitrogen is essential for plant growth and is often converted into ammonium.
Environmental and Biological Impacts
- Excess nitrates in water bodies can lead to algal blooms, which can disrupt ecosystems.
- Infants are particularly vulnerable to high nitrogen levels, potentially leading to oxygen transport issues due to underdeveloped stomach acid.
- High nitrogen levels can adversely affect livestock reproduction rates, prompting farmer concerns.
Health Risks Associated with Nitrogen
- Elevated nitrogen levels in the environment can cause various health problems, including:
- Bad odor
- Lung congestion
- Brain damage in babies
- Miscarriages
- Respiratory issues
Nitrogen Sources
- Nitrogen can enter water systems through:
- Runoff from agriculture
- Sewage discharge
- Acid rain
- Airborne nitrogen inputs originate from:
- Denitrifying bacteria
- Fossil fuel combustion
- Deforestation practices
Earth's Spheres Related to Nitrogen
- Biosphere: Involves all living organisms that interact with nitrogen.
- Atmosphere: Comprises gaseous elements, including nitrogen.
- Hydrosphere: Encompasses all water sources containing nitrogen compounds.
- Geosphere: Involves the soil and rocks where nitrogen cycles through.
Nitrogen Fixing Plants
- Examples of plants hosting nitrogen-fixing bacteria include:
- Alfalfa
- Beans
- Peas
- Other legumes
Agricultural Use of Nitrogen
- Nitrogen is a key component of fertilizers, enhancing agricultural productivity and crop yields.
Animal Nitrogen Acquisition
- Animals obtain nitrogen through the consumption of plants and other animals.
Nitrogen Cycle Processes
- Fixation: The process by which free nitrogen is transformed into ammonium by bacteria.
- Nitrification: Conversion of ammonium into nitrates that plants can absorb.
- Denitrification: A process where denitrifying bacteria convert excess nitrates back into free nitrogen, re-releasing it into the atmosphere.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the nitrogen cycle with these flashcards. Learn about free nitrogen, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and how nitrogen is converted into usable forms. Perfect for students studying environmental science or biology.
