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Nitrogen Cycle & Microorganisms

Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 19.3.6

The Nitrogen Cycle and Microorganisms

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

Decomposition

Decomposition

  • Microorganisms break down decaying matter and return nitrogenous compounds to the soil.
Nitrification

Nitrification

  • Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium into nitrates.
Nitrogen fixation

Nitrogen fixation

  • Bacteria in plants' root nodules 'fix' nitrogen into a useable form for plants.
Denitrification

Denitrification

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

Test yourself on Nitrogen Cycle & Microorganisms

  • In which of the following stages of the nitrogen cycle are microorganisms not relied upon?

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