Question

Fill in the blank and explain the process[3 Marks] Nitrifying bacteria convert __________ to nitrate.

Answer 1

Answer: ammonia [ 1 Mark]
Explanation: Nitrifying bacteria like Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter convert ammonia or ammonium $\left(N{H}_3/N{H}_4^{+}\right)$ to nitrite $\left(N{O}_2^{-}\right)$ and then convert $N{O}_2^{-}$ to nitrate $\left(N{O}_3^{-}\right)$. It is very easy for plants to take up nitrogen in the form of $N{O}_3^{-}$​. Therefore, these bacteria help the plants gain essential nitrogen in the form of nitrates.[ 2 Mark]