Nitrogen Cycle Flashcards
What are Decomposers?
Organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant matter (Saphatrophs) and release stored inorganic compounds and element back into the environment
Detritivores
Break down organic material into smaller organic materials increasing the surface area for decomposers
Why is nitrogen important?
Important in making amino acids for proteins in both plants and animals
Azotobacter and Rhizobium
Uses Enzyme nitrogenase to combine nitrogen and Hydrogen to form ammonia (Nitrogen fixation)
Where do many nitrogen fixing bacteria reside?
Root nodules in roots of leguminous plants
How is nitrogen passed on?
Up the food chain from the plants
What are the two types of nitrogen fixing bacteria?
- Mutualistic
- Free living
Nitrification
-oxidises ammonia into nitrates
The Two bacteria for nitrification
NO2- (Nitrosomonans)
NO3- (Nitrobacter) from nitrites
Denitrification
In the absence of oxygen denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas
Free living nitrogen fixing bacteria
Azotobacter
Ammonification
Decomposers convert nitrogen-containing molecules in dead organisms
