The nitrogen cycle

Nitrogen makes up this percent of the atmosphere

78%

NItrogen is found in these

proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll

The nitrogen cycle does this

It moves nitrogen through the abiotic and biotic parts of ecosystems

Nitrogen fixation

conversion of inert nitrogen to usable forms by special bacteria

Ammonification

Conversion of the nitrogen in the organic matter to ammonia by decomposers

Nitrification

conversion of ammonia to nitrate and nitrates by bacteria

Assimilation

Uptake of nitrogenous compounds from soil by plants

Denitrification

Conversion of nitrates back to nitrogen by nitrifying bacteria

Plants can use nitrogen gas in the atmosphere to make organic compounds for themselves