Nutrient Cycling and Nitrogen Cycle Overview

A set of flashcards reviewing key concepts related to nutrient cycling, essential elements of life, and the nitrogen cycle.

The process by which nutrients move between different environmental compartments is called __.

Nutrient Cycling.

The main elements of life are represented by the acronym __.

CHONPK (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).

A __ is a substance made up of two or more elements bonded together.

Macromolecule.

Ammonia (NH3) is produced during the process of __ to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.

Nitrogen Fixation.

In the nitrogen cycle, __ converts NH3 to Ammonium (NH4+).

Mineralization.

The process of converting Ammonium (NH4+) into Nitrates (NO3-) by bacteria is known as __.

Nitrification.

During __, nitrogen is returned to the atmosphere by bacteria converting nitrates back to N2.

Denitrification.

Excess nutrients in water bodies can lead to __, which causes low oxygen levels and harms aquatic life.

Eutrophication.

Chemical weathering of rocks involves reactions such as __, which combines carbon dioxide and water.

CO2 + H2O = H.

High levels of nitrates in water can result in __, particularly in infants.

Blue Baby Syndrome.

The primary component in the structure of proteins is __, which is made up of amino acids.

Nitrogen.

The nitrogen cycle's first step involves __ bacteria in root nodules of legumes.

Nitrogen-fixing.

The process that breaks down organic matter in soil to release nutrients is called __.

Decomposition.

_ is an essential nutrient that is often a limiting factor for plant growth.

Phosphorus.

The relationship between plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, is an example of __.

Symbiotic Mutualism.

The cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the environment is known as the __ Cycle.

Phosphorus.

During __ reactions, electrons are lost, indicating oxidation.

Redox.

The term __ refers to loss of electrons or hydrogen in a redox reaction.

Oxidation.

What is the term for excess nutrients from runoff that lead to undesired algal blooms in aquatic environments? __

Nutrient Loading.

is the strong bond involving the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Covalent bond.

Plants utilize the nutrients __, __, and __ for macromolecule synthesis and cellular function.

Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen.