Question

Can anyone please explain the Nitrogen cycle in short, step by step (with all those bacteria involved) im really confused

Answer 1

@oldrin.bataku @emcrazy14 @aaronq please save me!!!

Answer 2

@Zale101

Answer 3

The nitrogen cycle is the way that nitrogen in nature is changed into many different forms that are used by living [organism]s.

Air is about 78% nitrogen. Nitrogen is needed for life. It is an important part of proteins, DNA, and RNA. In plants, nitrogen is needed for photosynthesis and growth. [1] Nitrogen fixation is needed to change the nitrogen in air (N2) into forms that can be used by life. Most nitrogen fixation is done by micro-organisms called bacteria. These bacteria have an enzyme that combines N2 with hydrogen gas (H2) to make ammonia (NH3). Some of these bacteria live in the roots of plants (mostly legumes). In these roots, they make ammonia for the plant and the plant gives them carbohydrates. Other plants take nitrogen compounds out of the soil through their roots. All nitrogen in animals comes from eating plants.

Ammonium (NH4) in soil is made by nitrogen-fixing bacteria and decomposers, bacteria and fungi that break down dead life into its parts. This process is called ammonification. Ammonium has a positive charge. It easily joins to clay and humus in the soil. Ammonia and ammonium are poisonous to fish and other animals. Sewage and other waste-water is regularly measured because of this. If ammonia levels are too high, nitrification must happen.

Nitrification is the change of ammonia and ammonium to nitrite (NO2) and then to nitrate (NO3) by bacteria. Because nitrite and nitrate have a negative charge they do not easily join to soil and will wash out of the soil during rain and irrigation. High nitrate levels in drinking water is harmful for babies and can cause blue-baby syndrome. [2] High nitrate levels can also cause too much algae growth in lakes and pools. This can be harmful to fish and other water animals because the algae uses oxygen that the animals need. The use of fertilizers is controlled more and more because of this.

Where there is no oxygen, some bacteria will make nitrate into nitrogen gas (N2). This starts the nitrogen cycle over again. This process is called denitrification.

Answer 4

LOL I think now I get to know a new definition of the term "short"
xD

Answer 5

@Somy I this picture should be sufficient
Just take a look at it as I find it pretty simple

Answer 6

Okay, let's fist start from nitrogen fixation.
1. The nitrogen fixing bacteria in the root nodule of legumes and also the nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium (NH4+) ions. (This process is called NITROGEN FIXATION)
2. The nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium ions into nitrite and then nitrate ions. (This process is called NITRIFICATION)
3. Plants can now absorb the nitrates from the soil and convert them into proteins.(This process is called ASSIMILATION). When plants and animals die, the decomposers convert the amino acids in the dead matter into ammomium ions. (This process is called AMMONIFICATION).
4. The denitrifying bacteria in the soil can convert nitrates back into nitrogen. (This process is called DENITRIFICATION).

Answer 7

^This pretty much explains the diagram posted by KL-RC.

Answer 8

OMG thank youuuuuuu <3333
@emcrazy14

Answer 9

oh! thank you sooooooooooo much @emcrazy14 :* short, clear amazing!
thanks to you guys too @DollyAcquah @KL-RC :**

Answer 10

yw. xD @KL-RC @Somy

Answer 11

btw nitrosomonas converts NH3 to NO2 and nitrobacter converts NO2 to NO3
but what converts NH4 to NH3?

Answer 12

@emcrazy14

Answer 13

This reaction of NH3 into NH4+ ions does not need any bacteria. When ammonia gas (NH3) dissolves in water, it gives NH4+ ions. xD

Answer 14

oh daim im so stupid i didn't even think of water >_<
thnx!! @emcrazy14