19.3.6

Nitrogen Cycle & Microorganisms

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The Nitrogen Cycle and Microorganisms

The cycle of nitrogen through the ecosystem relies on microorganisms at many stages:

Illustrative background for DecompositionIllustrative background for Decomposition ?? "content

Decomposition

  • Microorganisms break down decaying matter and return nitrogenous compounds to the soil.
Illustrative background for NitrificationIllustrative background for Nitrification ?? "content

Nitrification

  • Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium into nitrates.
Illustrative background for Nitrogen fixationIllustrative background for Nitrogen fixation ?? "content

Nitrogen fixation

  • Bacteria in plants' root nodules 'fix' nitrogen into a useable form for plants.
Illustrative background for DenitrificationIllustrative background for Denitrification ?? "content

Denitrification

  • Denitrifying bacteria remove nitrogenous compounds from the soil and release nitrogen back into the air.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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