Nutrient Cycling

6 elements of life

CHONPS (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfer)

Elements in smaller amounts

Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium

How do organisms use elements for energy?

Metabolism, building blocks, and repairing cells

Biogeochemical definition

Movement of elements (CHONPS) through ecosystems on a global scale

Length of nutrient cycles?

Short &/or long

Four main Biogeochemical Cycles

1. Water Cycle (Hydrologic cycle)

2. Carbon cycle

3. Nitrogen cycle

4. Phosphorus cycle

All living things made of what chains?

Carbon chains

Carbon fixation definition

When photosynthetic organisms (producers) take up carbon dioxide and convert it into a more organic-friendly molecule

Sugar product of photosynthesis

Glucose

Carbon sink examples

Forest, ocean, fossil fuels, eg. organisms

Carbon sink definition

Materials that stores carbon

Why is nitrogen important?

DNA and RNA

Most abundant gas in the atmosphere?

N2 (78%)

Where does bacteria convert N2?

Roots of legumes

Definition of Nitrogen Fixation

the process by which nitrogen gas (N₂) from the atmosphere is converted into usable forms of nitrogen (like ammonia or nitrates) by bacteria, lightning, or industrial processes

Process of lightning fixation of nitrogen

the process where the energy from lightning breaks nitrogen gas (N₂) in the atmosphere, allowing it to combine with oxygen to form nitrogen oxides. These oxides then dissolve in rainwater to form nitrates, which fall to the ground and can be used by plants

Why is phosphorus important?

DNA, RNA, ATP, energy, and is essential for cell membranes

Where is phosphorus mainly stored?

Rocks and salts

What is phosphorus absorbed by?

Water

Negative overuse of phosphorus?

Fertilizer

All nutrient cycles have in common?

Part A: movement between living & non-living things

Part B: all include decomposers as part of their cycles