Nitrogen Phosphorus Cycles

Nitrogen

Needed in cells to make amino acids and nucleotides.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins that help build our bodies and act as enzymes.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of DNA that carry the code to build proteins and are involved in heredity.

Nitrogen Cycle

The process through which nitrogen is converted into various chemical forms as it circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting nitrogen gas (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) by bacteria.

Ammonification

The conversion of ammonia (NH₃) into ammonium (NH₄⁺) by bacteria and through decomposition.

Nitrification

The two-step process that converts ammonium (NH₄⁺) to nitrite (NO₂⁻) and then to nitrate (NO₃⁻).

Assimilation

The process by which plants absorb nitrates and convert them into amino acids and nucleotides.

Denitrification

The conversion of nitrates (NO₃) back into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere.

Limiting Factor

A resource that is scarce but vital for plant growth, such as nitrogen.

Human Impact

Activities like soil erosion, fertilizer use, and burning fossil fuels that disrupt the nitrogen cycle.

Eutrophication

The process where excess nutrients in water bodies lead to algal blooms and subsequent depletion of oxygen.

Dead Zones

Areas in aquatic environments where oxygen levels are too low to support life, often caused by decomposition of algae.

Phosphorus Cycle

The cycle that involves the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere NO ATMOSPHERIC COMPONENT, crucial for ATP and DNA production.

Fertilizer Run-Off

The process where excess fertilizers wash into water bodies, contributing to nutrient pollution and eutrophication.