Nitrogen Cycle and Its Processes

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the nitrogen cycle and its various processes.

Nitrogen fixation

The process where special nitrogen-fixing bacteria transform nitrogen gas into useful forms like ammonium.

Ammonification

The process by which nitrogen gas is turned into ammonium (NH4+) by bacteria.

Nitrification

The process of converting ammonium ions into nitrites and nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.

Denitrification

The process by which denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates in soil back into nitrogen gas.

Assimilation

The process by which plants uptake nitrate from the soil and incorporate it into their own tissues.

Nitrifying bacteria

Bacteria that convert ammonium ions into nitrites and nitrates.

Denitrifying bacteria

Bacteria that convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas.

Triple bond

The stable bond between the two nitrogen atoms in nitrogen gas that must be broken for organisms to utilize the nitrogen.

Ammonium (NH4+)

A form of nitrogen that can be utilized by plants, derived from nitrogen fixation and ammonification.

Nitrogen cycle

The continuous cycle of nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.