Topic 10.2 Nitrogen Cycles

Question 1

Why is the nitrogen cycle so important?

Answer 1

Vital part of amino acids, hence proteins, and nucleic acids

Question 2

What does nitrosonomas spp. convert?

Answer 2

Ammonium -> nitrites

Question 3

What does nitrobacter convert?

Answer 3

Nitrites to nitrates

Question 4

What is the role of nitrogen fixing bacteria?

Answer 4

Convert nitrogen gas -> ammonium
In soil or root nodules of legumes

Question 5

What does denitrifying bacteria do?

Answer 5

Converts nitrates to atmospheric nitrogen
(Bad) (really like waterlogged soil) ( can be prevented by churning soil)

Question 6

What conditions are best for nutrient cycling? + why?

Answer 6

1. Warm (chemical reactions occur faster)
2. Moist (able to dissolve food for absorption)
3. High oxygen levels (microbes respire more efficiently)