The Nitrogen Cycle

Discussion Questions:

1.The atmosphere is 80% nitrogen:why do you think plants and animals can't use nitrogen as it is found in the atmosphere?

2.Explain what is meant by nitrogen fixation?

3.What is the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

4.why don't legumes need nitrogen-containing fertilizer?

5.Why is nitrogen so important for living things?

6.What are the processes involved in the nitrogen cycle?

Answers:

1.Because most nitrogen is found as a gas.

2.Nitrogen fixation occurs when bacteria convert nitrogen gas into organic compounds that living organisms can take up.

3.The bacteria are the ones responsible for converting nitrogen gas into ammonium ions and convert ammonia from dead animal excretions.
4.Because legumes have bacteria living in their roots which can fix nitrogen.
5.Because it is an essential element for life and it is important for photosynthesis to occur.
6.Nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification, denitrification, assimilation.