The Nitrogen Cycle

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Questions and Answers

Which process converts nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia?

  • Nitrogen Fixation (correct)
  • Nitrification
  • Assimilation
  • Denitrification

How do plants primarily obtain nitrogen in a usable form?

  • Through the process of denitrification.
  • Directly absorbing nitrogen gas from the atmosphere.
  • By absorbing ammonia from the soil.
  • By absorbing nitrate from the soil. (correct)

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

  • Synthesizing amino acids and proteins.
  • Fixing atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
  • Converting nitrate into nitrogen gas.
  • Breaking down organic matter, releasing ammonia. (correct)

Which of the following processes returns nitrogen gas to the atmosphere?

<p>Denitrification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what conditions does denitrification primarily occur?

<p>In anaerobic conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the direct product of nitrogen fixation that can be used in subsequent steps of the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Ammonia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the assimilation process contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

<p>It incorporates nitrogen into organic molecules in living organisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of nitrifying bacteria?

<p>Converting ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the use of fertilizers disrupt the nitrogen cycle?

<p>By leading to eutrophication and water pollution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is nitrogen essential for life on Earth?

<p>It is a key component of DNA, RNA, and proteins. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?

<p>Nitrogen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical formula for ammonia?

<p>NH3 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes involves the conversion of ammonia into nitrite?

<p>Nitrification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do animals obtain nitrogen?

<p>By consuming plants or other animals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an environmental problem associated with the disruption of the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Eutrophication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plants in the assimilation process of the nitrogen cycle?

<p>To absorb nitrate and synthesize organic compounds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is responsible for converting organic nitrogen back into inorganic forms in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Ammonification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the burning of fossil fuels impact the nitrogen cycle?

<p>It can disrupt the cycle, leading to environmental problems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the process of denitrification?

<p>Conversion of nitrate into nitrogen gas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial form of nitrogen converted during nitrogen fixation?

<p>Nitrogen gas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nitrogen Cycle

The transformation of nitrogen between different chemical forms, making it available to living organisms.

Nitrogen Fixation

Conversion of nitrogen gas (N2) into usable forms like ammonia (NH3) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Nitrification

Conversion of ammonia into nitrite (NO2-) and then nitrate (NO3-) by nitrifying bacteria.

Assimilation

Plants absorb nitrate and use it to synthesize organic compounds like amino acids and proteins.

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Ammonification

Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing nitrogen back into the soil as ammonia.

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Denitrification

Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate back into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere.

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Study Notes

The Nitrogen Cycle

  • Complex process involving the transformation of nitrogen between different chemical forms
  • Makes nitrogen available to living organisms
  • Includes nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, and denitrification

Explanation of the Nitrogen Cycle

  • A biogeochemical process transforming nitrogen between different chemical forms
  • Makes nitrogen available to living organisms
  • Involves several key steps

Nitrogen Fixation

  • Nitrogen gas (N2) makes up 78% of the atmosphere
  • N2 is converted into usable forms like ammonia (NH3)
  • Nitrogen-fixing bacteria performs this conversion
  • Occurs in various environments like soil, water, and the roots of certain plants

Nitrification

  • Ammonia is converted into nitrite (NO2-) and then nitrate (NO3-)
  • Performed by nitrifying bacteria
  • Nitrate is the form of nitrogen most readily absorbed by plants

Assimilation

  • Plants absorb nitrate
  • Plants use nitrate to synthesize organic compounds like amino acids and proteins
  • Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals

Ammonification

  • When organisms die or excrete waste, decomposers break down organic matter
  • Returns nitrogen back into the soil as ammonia.

Denitrification

  • Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate back into nitrogen gas
  • Nitrogen gas is released into the atmosphere
  • Occurs in anaerobic conditions, such as waterlogged soils

Importance and Disruption of the Nitrogen Cycle

  • Essential for life on Earth
  • Nitrogen is a key component of DNA, RNA, and proteins
  • Human activities, like fertilizer use and burning fossil fuels, can disrupt the nitrogen cycle
  • Disruption leads to environmental problems like eutrophication and acid rain

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