Nitrogen Cycle Steps Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is nitrogen fixation?

Conversion of ammonia to nitrite

Conversion of nitrates to atmospheric nitrogen

Uptake of inorganic nitrogen by plants

Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (correct)

What is the process of nitrification?

Conversion of ammonia to nitrite to nitrate performed by bacteria

What is assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

Inorganic nitrogen is uptaken by the roots of plants and becomes part of the food chain

What does ammonification refer to?

Conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia Signup and view all the answers

What is denitrification?

Nitrates are returned to the atmosphere by anaerobic bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Match the steps of the nitrogen cycle:

Nitrogen Fixation = Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia Nitrification = Conversion of ammonia to nitrite to nitrate Assimilation = Uptake of inorganic nitrogen by plants Ammonification = Conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia Denitrification = Conversion of nitrates back to atmospheric nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

The steps of the nitrogen cycle in order are: ______

Nitrogen Fixation, Nitrification, Assimilation, Ammonification, Denitrification Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nitrogen Cycle Components

Nitrogen Fixation:
- Converts atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3).
- Occurs through the action of specific bacteria in legume roots or via lightning.
Nitrification:
- Process of converting ammonia (NH3) into nitrite (NO2-) and then into nitrate (NO3-).
- Performed by specialized bacteria, making nitrogen accessible to plants.
Assimilation:
- Involves the uptake of inorganic nitrogen (like NO3-) by plant roots.
- Transforms inorganic nitrogen into organic nitrogen, forming proteins and nucleic acids.
Ammonification:
- Converts organic nitrogen (from living organisms) back into ammonia (NH3).
- Carried out by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi, returning nitrogen to the soil.
Denitrification:
- Process where nitrates (NO3-) are converted back into atmospheric nitrogen (N2).
- Conducted by anaerobic bacteria, completing the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrogen Cycle Steps

The nitrogen cycle consists of five key processes: Nitrogen fixation, Nitrification, Assimilation, Ammonification, and Denitrification.

Description

Explore the key steps of the nitrogen cycle with these flashcards. Understand the processes of nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and assimilation, which are crucial for soil health and plant growth. Test your knowledge and enhance your learning about this important ecological process.