Nitrogen Cycle
A few organisms can convert nitrogen gas into compounds useful to other organisms in a process known as "nitrogen fixation". These organisms can be free living or in a relationship with certain "plants".
Most plants obtain their nitrogen by absorbing "nitrate ions" from the soil through their "root hairs" by active transport. They then convert this to "protein", which is passed to animals when they eat the plants.
On death, "decomposers" break down these orgainisms, releasing "ammonia", which can be oxidised to form nitrites by "nitrifiying" bacteria. Further oxidation by the same type of bacteria forms "nitrate ions". These ions may be converted back to atmospheric nitrogen by the activities of "denitrifying bacteria".
- Created by: pooja
- Created on: 31-12-12 16:34
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