Question

Explain the role of symbiotic bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.

Answer 1

Nitrogen fixation: The conversion of atmospheric, industrial, or biological nitrogen into such usable forms which can be utilized by living organisms is called Nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen fixation by symbiotic bacteria:

1. In plants, the nitrogen fixation takes place by symbiotic bacteria such as Rhizobium sp.
2. The Rhizobium bacteria live in the root nodules of the leguminous plant.
3. In leguminous plants such as peas and beans, this bacteria forms a symbiotic relationship with the plant and fixes the atmospheric nitrogen with the help of the Nitrogenase enzyme.
4. Thus, this bacteria helps convert inorganic atmospheric nitrogen into usable molecular form.
5. This forms an important component of the nitrogen cycle.