Nitrogen cycle

what biological molecules contain nitrogen ?

• amino acids

• haem

components in

• chlorphyll

• nucleic acids

• ATP

• mucles skin hair nails = protein = nitrogen

what is nitrification ?

process by which ammonium compounds converted to nitrites then to nitrates

what is ammonification ?

production of ammonia from organic compounds (e.g. urea, protein, nucleic acids)

what carries out ammonification ?

saprobiotic bacteria

Path for ammonification ?

ammonium containing decomposers → ammonium ions

by saprobiotic microorganisms

what is the path for nitrification ?

ammonium ions → nitrite ions → nitrate ions

what carries out nitrification and what do they require ?

nitrifying bacteria that require oxygen

what is denitrification ?

nitrate ions & converted back into nitrogen gas by nitrifying bacteria

what type of reaction is nitrification & what are the prefered conditions ?

• reductions reaction

• favours anaerbobic e.g. waterlogged soil

Pathway for nitrogen fixation ?

nitrogen in atmosphere → ammonium containing compounds in producers

what does nitrogen fixation ?

mutualistic bacteria

how can nitrogen fixation be carried out ?

• industrially

• lightening

• bitrogen fixing bacteria

what are the two types of nitrogen fixation bacteria ?

• free living in the soil

• mutualistic bacteria living in nodules of leguminous plants

what is nitrogen fixation ?

nitrogen gas converted to nitrogen containing compounds e.g. amino acids

in denitrification, what states are nitrogen converted to ?

solid nitrates → gaseous nitrogen

Ways energy is lost between producers & herbivores ?

• not all of the producer is eaten/ digested

• some list in respiration

• lost through heat

what is the importance of decomposers to producers ?

supply of inorganic molecules