Why can't plants use nitrogen gas directly?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why plants are unable to utilize nitrogen gas (N2) directly from the atmosphere for their growth and development. It addresses the biochemical limitations of plants in nitrogen absorption and the need for nitrogen to be converted into a usable form through processes such as nitrogen fixation.
Answer
Plants cannot use nitrogen gas directly because they cannot break the triple bond of N2.
The final answer is because they cannot break that triple bond.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is because they cannot break that triple bond.
More Information
Nitrogen gas (N2) is very stable due to the strong triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms, making it nearly inert at room temperature. Plants require nitrogen in a more reactive form, such as nitrates or ammonium, which they can absorb and use in biochemical processes.
Sources
- The Nitrogen Cycle - CK-12 - flexbooks.ck12.org
- Why can't plants absorb nitrogen from the air? - Reddit - reddit.com
- How do plants get their nitrogen from the air? - wtamu.edu
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