B2 - Bacteria in the Nitrogen Cycle

A set of revision cards to help you remember the details of the four bacteria that are vital to the nitrogen cycle. You need to know these for your exam.

?

Decomposers

Decomposers decompose things -- hence their name.

They are vital to the nitrogen cycle because they decompose protein and urea and turn them into ammonia.

The urea comes from animal waste, and the proteins comes from dead organic material.

This includes both plants and animals.

1 of 5

Nitrifying Bacteria

Nitrifying bacteria turn ammonia into nitrates.

The ammonia is a result of the decomposers, which decompose dead organic matter (see previous page).

Nitrates are useful because plants can absorb them with their roots.

2 of 5

Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria

These turn the nitrogen gas in the air into nitrogen compounds.

These can be used by plants, and, when animals eat the plants, they can use them too.

These are vital to the cycle.

3 of 5

Denitrifying Bacteria

Denitrifying bacteria turn the nitrates back into nitrogen gas.

This is not helpful to plants or any living organisms.

However, it does preserve the nitrogen cycle and keeps it going.

Therefore, they are a vital part of the cycle.

4 of 5

Quick Summary

So, the four bacteria are...

  • decomposers
  • nitrifying bacteria
  • nitrogen-fixing bacteria
  • denitrifying bacteria
5 of 5

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Biology resources:

See all Biology resources »See all Nitrogen Cycle resources »