the nitrogen cycle Flashcards
1
Q
why is nitrogen important?
A
the element nitrogen is vital for life, it is needed to make amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and ATP in cells.
2
Q
what is nitrogen fixation?
A
nitrogen fixing bacteria are found in soils near the roots of plants, they have enzymes which convert the molecular nitrogen into ammonia (NH3) in soils.
3
Q
what is nitrification?
A
nitrifying bacteria convert toxic ammonia into nitrates (NO3-) which is now ‘fixed’ nitrogen that is available to plants and animals.
4
Q
what is denitrification?
A
denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into molecular nitrogen and the cycle can continue.
