In the nitrogen cycle what is needed to convert nitrogen into nitrates and nitrites
Bacteria play a key role in converting nitrogen gas (N2) into forms that plants can use, such as nitrates (NO3-) and nitrites (NO2-). This process, called nitrification, involves two main types of bacteria: ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. The conversion of nitrogen gas into nitrates and nitrites occurs in two steps:
1. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (mainly species of Nitrosomonas and Nitrosococcus) convert ammonia (NH3) into nitrites (NO2-) through the process of nitrification. This process releases energy that the bacteria use to grow and reproduce.
2. Nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (mainly species of Nitrobacter and Nitrospira) then further oxidize the nitrites into nitrates (NO3-). This step also releases energy that the bacteria can use.
The nitrates and nitrites produced by these bacteria can then be taken up by plants and used to build amino acids, proteins, and other essential nitrogen-containing molecules. This process of converting nitrogen gas into forms that plants can use is essential for the growth and development of all living organisms in an ecosystem.