Nitrogen Cycle

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the crucial role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

They solely absorb nitrates from the soil for plant use.
They convert nitrogen gas into usable forms and convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas. (correct)
They help animals create proteins from the nitrogen they consume.
They facilitate the direct absorption of nitrogen gas by plants.

What is the importance of the nitrogen cycle to all living organisms?

It primarily aids in maintaining the structural integrity of soil.
It is essential for the production of oxygen.
It provides necessary nitrogen for growth and survival. (correct)
It directly regulates air temperature around plants and animals.

What would be the most likely effect on an ecosystem if denitrification processes were interrupted?

The rate of conversion of ammonia to nitrates in the soil would decrease drastically
The balance of nitrogen would be disrupted, potentially harming plant and animal life. (correct)
Increased levels of nitrogen in the atmosphere would accelerate plant growth.
Plants would be able to absorb nitrogen directly from the air, improving growth.

How does planting soybeans contribute to the nitrogen cycle and soil health?

Soybeans, with the help of bacteria in their roots, fix nitrogen gas into usable nutrients. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does nitrification support plant growth?

It transforms ammonia into nitrates and nitrites, forms of nitrogen plants can absorb. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a farmer observed reduced plant growth despite sufficient watering and sunlight, which disruption in the nitrogen cycle might be the cause?

Decreased rate of nitrogen fixation, reducing the conversion of nitrogen gas to usable forms. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How would the disruption of ammoniafication affect the nitrogen cycle?

It would interrupt the process by which plants obtain nitrogen to make proteins and animals obtain it by consuming plants. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plants in the process of ammoniafication?

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil through their roots and use them to make proteins. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of denitrification benefit an environment such as a wetland?

It removes excess nitrogen from the soil, preventing toxicity and maintaining balance. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of increased nitrogen levels in soil due to disruptions in the nitrogen cycle?

Decreased plant growth due to nitrogen toxicity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting nitrogen gas into ammonia or nitrates, forms that plants can use.

Nitrification

The process where ammonia is converted into nitrates and nitrites, forms of nitrogen that plants can use.

Ammoniafication

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil through their roots to make proteins; animals then obtain nitrogen by eating plants.

Denitrification

The process where bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere.

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The Nitrogen Cycle

It moves nitrogen through the air, soil, plants, animals, and bacteria, providing essential elements for growth and survival.

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Study Notes

Nitrogen cycle describes how nitrogen moves through the air, soil, plants, animals, and bacteria
Nitrogen is essential for the growth of all living organisms
Plants and animals cannot directly utilize nitrogen in its gaseous form

The Four Main Processes of the Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen Fixation, Nitrification, Ammonification, Denitrification

Nitrogen Fixation

Converts nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into forms usable by plants, such as ammonia or nitrates
Accomplished by special bacteria found in the soil and in the roots of certain plants like beans and peanuts
An example occurs when a farmer plants soybeans, the bacteria in their roots convert nitrogen gas into nutrients

Nitrification

Converts ammonia into nitrates and nitrites
Nitrates and nitrites are forms of nitrogen that plants can use
Other helpful bacteria in the soil are responsible for this process
When a tree uptakes nitrates from the soil, it utilizes them to grow leaves and branches

Ammonification

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil through their roots and use them to create proteins
Animals consume these plants, obtaining nitrogen
Rabbits eating grass that uptook nitrogen from the soil is an example of the process

Denitrification

Converts nitrates back into nitrogen gas, which is released back into the atmosphere
Bacteria carry out the denitrification in the soil
An example can be seen in wetlands, where bacteria in the soil release nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere, to complete the cycle