Could someone concisely and briefly summarize the nitrogen cycle? I'm all in a muddle. Please, I have to get this done by tonight.
en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Nitrogen_cycle
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/NitrogenCycle.html
Certainly! I'd be happy to provide you with a concise summary of the nitrogen cycle.
The nitrogen cycle is a process that involves the transformation of nitrogen compounds in various forms, allowing it to cycle through different components of the environment. Here is a simplified explanation of the nitrogen cycle:
1. Nitrogen fixation: Nitrogen gas in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia by nitrogen-fixing bacteria found in the soil or through industrial processes like the Haber-Bosch process.
2. Nitrification: Ammonia is converted into nitrite ions (NO2-) by nitrifying bacteria. Then, nitrite ions are further oxidized into nitrate ions (NO3-) by different nitrifying bacteria.
3. Assimilation: Plants absorb nitrate ions from the soil and incorporate them into their tissues through a process called assimilation. Animals then obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals.
4. Ammonification: When plants and animals die or produce waste, decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down the organic nitrogen compounds, releasing ammonia back into the soil.
5. Denitrification: Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate ions back into nitrogen gas, which is released back into the atmosphere, completing the nitrogen cycle.
For a more detailed understanding of each step, I recommend visiting the Wikipedia page on the nitrogen cycle (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogen_cycle) or the BiologyPages resource (users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/NitrogenCycle.html) you mentioned earlier. These sources will provide you with thorough explanations, diagrams, and additional information to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the nitrogen cycle.