1.5

Question 1

Why is nitrogen important?

Answer 1

Is the main element in proteins and nucleic acids, both of which are crucial to life.

Question 2

What is the biggest nitrogen resevoir?

Answer 2

Atmosphere

Question 3

What form of carbon exists in the atmosphere?

Answer 3

N2 (nitrogen gas)

Question 4

Is N2 (nitrogen gas) absorbable by plants?

Answer 4

No, nitrogen gas must be fixated before plants can absorb nitrogen.

Question 5

Nitrogen Fixation

Answer 5

The process by which N2 (nitrogen gas) is converted into NH3 (ammonia) or NO3 (nitrate).

Question 6

How is nitrogen fixated? (naturally and synthetically)

Answer 6

By nitrogen-fixating bacteria and by synthetic processes where humans combust fossil fuels to produce NO3 (nitrate).

Question 7

Assimilation

Answer 7

The process by which plants and animals take in NH3 or NO3 either through the soil or by eating.

Question 8

Ammonification

Answer 8

The process by which waste and dead biomass is converted into NH4 and NH3 in the soil

Question 9

Nitrification

Answer 9

The process by which nitrifying bacteria convert NH4 into into NO2 and subsequently NO3

Question 10

Denitrification

Answer 10

The process by which denitrifying bacteria convert NO3 into N2O gas which returns to the atmosphere

Question 11

Effects of nitrogen in environment

Answer 11

Volatilization: NH3 gases escape fertilizers into the atmosphere

Eutrophication: NO3 enters lakes and marine ecosystems and causes uncontrolled growth or algae blooms