Question

How does atmospheric nitrogen fixation affect organisms?

Answer 1

Atmospheric nitrogen fixation:

1. Atmospheric nitrogen fixation is the process where the molecular N₂ from the air is converted into useful nitrogenic compounds such as NH₃ (ammonia) for other biological processes.
2. The process is performed by various nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Azotobacter, Bacillus, Clostridium, and Klebsiell.
3. The converted free nitrogen is taken up by plants for further processes such as the production of amino acids and proteins, which are essential biomolecules.
4. They are also used for synthesizing nucleotides (nitrogenous bases along with phosphate and sugar moiety), which make up the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
5. Other important nitrogenic compounds are also synthesized by plants using the products of nitrogen fixation.
6. Hence, all these substances are produced due to the production of compounds such as nitrate and ammonia via nitrogen fixation.
7. Therefore, all these reasons convey the effect of atmospheric nitrogen fixation.