Nitrogen Cycle and Its Components

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the nitrogen cycle and its ecological importance.

Nitrogen Cycle

A series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment and in living organisms.

Ammonia (NH3)

A compound that is toxic to fish and is produced from decaying matter and waste.

Nitrate (NO3)

A compound that is formed in the nitrogen cycle and is a nutrient used by plants.

Nitrosomonas bacteria

Bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrite during the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrobacter bacteria

Bacteria that convert nitrite into nitrate in the nitrogen cycle.

Denitrification

The process by which denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it available for plants.

Ammonification

The process of decomposing organic matter, resulting in the formation of ammonia.

Nitrification

The process of converting ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate.

Decomposition

The breakdown of dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Trophic level

The position an organism occupies in a food chain, affecting how nitrogen is cycled.

Soil bacteria

Bacteria in the soil that help decompose organic matter and fix nitrogen.