Question

How are microorganisms useful in nitrogen fixation?

Answer 1

Microbes:

1. Microbes are organisms that are too small to see without the use of a microscope.
2. The microbe can be found in its single-celled form or as a colony of cells.
3. There are five major kinds of microbes namely Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, and Protists.

Nitrogen Fixation:

1. Nitrogen fixation is the process of extracting nitrogen from the atmosphere in its molecular form $\left(N_2\right)$ and converting it into nitrogen compounds that can be used in other biological processes.
2. Fixation can take place in the atmosphere (lightning), in industry, or in biology.

Use of microorganisms in nitrogen fixation:

1. Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria enter into the hairs of host plant roots.
2. They cause the plant cells to enlarge and bacteria to cluster around these structures, resulting in the creation of root nodules.
3. Inside these nodules, bacteria are engaged in the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia.
4. This form of nitrogen is subsequently made available to plants, allowing them to thrive.