which cycle involves bacteria? Nitrogen or carbon
Both the nitrogen cycle and the carbon cycle involve bacteria.
In the nitrogen cycle, bacteria play a crucial role in several processes. First, nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonium ions (NH4+), making it accessible to plants. Other bacteria called nitrifying bacteria then convert ammonium into nitrites (NO2-) and further into nitrates (NO3-). Lastly, denitrifying bacteria complete the cycle by converting nitrates back into nitrogen gas, which is released back into the atmosphere.
In the carbon cycle, bacteria are involved in multiple ways. Decomposer bacteria break down dead organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) back into the atmosphere. Additionally, photosynthetic bacteria, such as cyanobacteria, capture atmospheric carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and convert it into organic compounds, contributing to the carbon cycle.