Nitrogen cycle Flashcards
What is the nitrogen cycle?
A series of chemical reactions that allow nitrogen to be recycled through ecosystems
Why is the nitrogen cycle important?
Without the nitrogen cycle there would be no nitrogen available for organisms to make protein
What are the 2 organisms that are vital for the nitrogen cycle?
Decomposers such as fungi and bacteria
What does the nitrogen cycle involve?
A series of steps carried out by bacteria which convert nitrogen into a soluble form that plants can absorb
What do decomposers do?
Break down dead material into ammonia (includes bac)
What does nitrifying bacteria do?
Converts ammonia into nitrates, then nitrates suitable for plants to absorb
What does denitrifying bacteria do?
Converts nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen removing it from the system
What does nitrogen fixing bacteria do?
They fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia or nitrates
Where does nitrogen fixing bacteria live?
Live free in the soil/roots of legumes
