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What is the nitrogen cycle and why is it key to life?
The nitrogen cycle describes how nitrogen moves between plants, animals, bacteria, the atmosphere (the air), and soil in the ground. Nitrogen is an important element to all life on Earth. For Nitrogen to be used by different life forms on Earth, it must change into different states.
What is the role of the nitrogen cycle in an ecosystem?
The nitrogen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which nitrogen is converted into multiple chemical forms as it circulates among atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems. Important processes in the nitrogen cycle include fixation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification.
How do humans get the nitrogen we need from the nitrogen cycle?
The most common way for people to get nitrogen into their bodies is through eating when their water supply contains less than 10 mg of nitrate per liter. When the levels of nitrate are above 50 mg, then the water supply becomes the main source of intake for people to get nitrogen into their bodies.
What are two functions of plants and animals in the nitrogen cycle?
Plants absorb nitrates from the soil to make proteins. Animals consume plants and use it to form animal protein. Humans contribute to the cycle by adding nitrogen rich fertilisers to the soil and by using manure (The Physics Teacher, 2018).
Who runs the nitrogen cycle?
Prokaryotes play several roles in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil and within the root nodules of some plants convert nitrogen gas in the atmosphere to ammonia. Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia to nitrites or nitrates.
What is the main function of nitrogen?
Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plant function and is a key component of amino acids, which form the building blocks of plant proteins and enzymes. Proteins make up the structural materials of all living matters and enzymes facilitate the vast array of biochemical reactions within a plant.
What is nitrogen cycle in simple words?
The nitrogen cycle is a repeating cycle of processes during which nitrogen moves through both living and non-living things: the atmosphere, soil, water, plants, animals and bacteria. In order to move through the different parts of the cycle, nitrogen must change forms.