Nitrogen Cycle Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a key step in the nitrogen cycle?

Photosynthesis

Denitrification

Biological nitrogen fixation (correct)

Protein synthesis

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

They convert nitrates and nitrites into ammonia

They convert ammonia into nitrates and nitrites

They transform nitrogen gas into ammonia

They transform atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms for plants (correct)

Why is nitrogen fixation important for ecosystems?

It prevents the accumulation of toxic ammonia in the environment

Plants and animals depend on bioavailable nitrogen for growth and development (correct)

It converts nitrogen gas into ammonia

It helps in the process of photosynthesis

What is nitrogen fixation?

The process of converting gaseous nitrogen into other forms that plants and eukaryotes can use Signup and view all the answers

Why is nitrogen fixation important for plants?

It allows plants to produce chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What are prokaryotes capable of nitrogen fixation called?

Diazotrophs Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are involved in terrestrial nitrogen fixation?

Bacteria like Rhizobium Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mutualistic bacteria in terrestrial nitrogen fixation?

They provide sugars and nutrients to legumes Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are involved in marine nitrogen fixation?

Cyanobacteria like Prochlorococcus Signup and view all the answers

What do primary producers in marine nitrogen fixation consume for their nutrient and growth needs?

Bioavailable forms of nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen fixation is a key step in the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form usable by living organisms.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are important for ecosystems because they make nitrogen available to plants.

Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form usable by living organisms.
Nitrogen fixation is important for plants because they require nitrogen to synthesize amino acids, nucleotides, and chlorophyll.

Nitrogen-Fixing Organisms

Prokaryotes capable of nitrogen fixation are called diazotrophs.
In terrestrial nitrogen fixation, organisms involved include legumes, actinorhizal plants, and certain species of bacteria and archaea.
Mutualistic bacteria, such as Rhizobia, play a role in terrestrial nitrogen fixation by forming symbiotic relationships with plants.
In marine nitrogen fixation, organisms involved include cyanobacteria, such as Trichodesmium, and certain species of archaea.

Marine Nitrogen Fixation

Primary producers in marine nitrogen fixation, such as phytoplankton, consume ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) for their nutrient and growth needs.

Description

Test your knowledge on nitrogen fixation with this quiz! Learn about the process by which nitrogen is converted into a usable form for plants and animals. Explore the importance of nitrogen fixation in sustaining life and discover the key players involved in this essential biological process.