Nitrogen Cycle Flashcards
1
Q
What happens in ionisation?
A
Processes such as lighting and meteor trails provide the energy from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen to react to produce oxides of nitrogen.
2
Q
What happens in fixation?
A
When nitrogen is moved from the air into the soil. Micro-organisms chemically reduce nitrogen to ammonia. Nitrogen fixing bacteria break down atmospheric nitrogen so it is accessible for plants. These bacteria can be found in roots nodules of legumes.
3
Q
Why is ammonia helpful?
A
Forms DNA and proteins.
4
Q
What is nitrification?
A
The process of turning ammonia into nitrates. Nitrifying bacteria oxidise ammonia into nitrites and then nitrates.
