Question

Explain the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.

Answer 1

Nitrogen cycle:

1. The nitrogen cycle is a natural mechanism that recycles nitrogen in nature.
2. When animals and plants die, soil bacteria, fungus, and other decomposers break down their nitrogen molecules.
3. Nitrogen compounds are returned to the soil in the form of ammonia, nitrates and nitrites, where they can be taken by plants once more.

Role of bacteria:

1. Bacteria in the soil or in plant roots convert nitrogen gas from the environment into solid nitrogen molecules that plants can utilize in the soil.
2. The bacteria within the nodules convert free nitrogen to nitrates, which the host plant uses for growth.