Nitrogen Cycle Flashcards

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1
Q

Nitrogen cycle

A

The nitrogen cycle transforms and circulates nitrogen in various forms through Earth’s spheres

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2
Q

Atmospheric nitrogen fixation

A

Lightning strikes generate energy to separate nitrogen gas (N2) into nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which is transported through rain

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3
Q

Assimilation

A

Plants and some microorganisms take up ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate ions from the soil to use in cell processes

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4
Q

Consumption

A

Animals acquire organic nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals

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5
Q

Ammonification

A

Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down nitrogen compounds and Converts them to ammonia or ammonium ions which is then released into the soil

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6
Q

Volcanic eruptions

A

Heat and pressure created by eruptions leads to transformation of atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen oxides

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7
Q

Denitrification by bacteria

A

Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate (NO3-) and nitrate (NO2-) ions into nitrogen gas

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8
Q

Nitrogen fixation by bacteria

A

Atmospheric N2 is converted into ammonia or ammonium ions by nitrogen-fixing bacteria found in the soil

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9
Q

Nitrification

A

Ammonia (form nitrogen fixation) is converted to nitrate ions by nitrifying bacteria. Nitrite ions are then oxidized into nitrate ions by other nitrifying bacteria (Nitrobacter)

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