Is bacteria in the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, or both
Bacteria are involved in both the carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle.
In the carbon cycle, bacteria play a critical role in the decomposition process. They break down dead plants and animals, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through respiration. Additionally, certain bacteria called cyanobacteria carry out photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide into organic compounds and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
In the nitrogen cycle, bacteria are responsible for nitrogen fixation. Certain bacteria, such as Rhizobium, form a symbiotic relationship with legume plants and convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, which can be used by plants for growth. Other bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, carry out nitrification by converting ammonia into nitrite and nitrate, respectively. Lastly, denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate back into nitrogen gas, closing the nitrogen cycle.