Nitrogen Cycle Lecture Notes

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts from the nitrogen cycle lecture notes.

Ammonia (NH3)

A compound that is toxic to fish and needs to be converted into less harmful substances during the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrate (NO3)

A form of nitrogen that is used by plants; it is produced from the breakdown of ammonia.

Nitrosomonas bacteria

Bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrite (NO2) during the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrobacter bacteria

Bacteria that convert nitrite (NO2) into nitrate (NO3) during the nitrogen cycle.

Denitrification

The process in which denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N2), releasing it into the atmosphere.

Nitrogen fixation

The process through which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into a form usable by living organisms, usually through bacterial action.

Nitrification

The biological conversion of ammonium to nitrite followed by the conversion of nitrite to nitrate, primarily mediated by bacteria.

Decomposition

The process through which organic matter is broken down by bacteria and fungi, returning nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, making it available for plant uptake.

Ammonification

The process by which organic nitrogen compounds are converted into ammonium ions (NH4+) through the action of decomposer organisms.