Nitrogen Cycle Flashcards
1
Q
what are the 4 key processes involved in nitrogen cycle?
A
- nitrogen fixation
- ammonification
- nitrification
- denitrification
2
Q
what does decomposition by saprobionts involve?
A
- converts nitrogen containing molecules in dead organisms, faeces and urine into substances like ammonia
3
Q
what is nitrogen fixation?
A
- converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into nitrogen containing compounds like ammonia
4
Q
what are the ways atmospheric nitrogen gas can be fixed?
A
- mutualistic bacteria in root nodules of leguminous plants = fix nitrogen gas into ammonia which is converted into amino acids for plant, and plant provides carbohydrates for bacteria
- free living bacteria = fix nitrogen gas into ammonia the amino acids, when they die saprobionts decompose them and nitrogen compounds are released
- abiotic processes = haber porcess, lightning also fix nitrogen
5
Q
what is ammonification?
A
- converts organic nitrogen containing compounds in dead organisms or water into ammonium ions or ammonia
