The Nitrogen Cycle

Flashcards about the nitrogen cycle.

Nutrient Cycle

The recycling of matter in ecosystems, where elements like nitrogen are reused.

Nitrogen Cycle

The process by which nitrogen moves through ecosystems.

Nitrogen Gas (N2)

Makes up about 78% of the atmosphere, but cannot be directly used by organisms due to its strong triple bond.

Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria

Bacteria that convert nitrogen gas into ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+), forms of nitrogen that can be used by plants.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia or ammonium.

Ammonia (NH3)/Ammonium (NH4+)

Forms of nitrogen produced by nitrogen-fixing bacteria that can be used by plants.

Assimilation

The uptake of ammonia by plants and the production of biological molecules like DNA and proteins.

Nitrification

The conversion of ammonia into nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.

Nitrifying Bacteria

Bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrite (NO2-) and then into nitrate (NO3-).

Nitrate (NO3-)

A form of nitrogen that plants prefer to assimilate; produced during nitrification.

Ammonification

The process by which dead organisms decompose, returning nitrogen to the soil as ammonia.

Denitrification

The conversion of nitrates back into nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria.

Denitrifying Bacteria

Bacteria that convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, completing the nitrogen cycle.