Question

Is the following order correct for Nitrogen cycle-

1) Nitrogen fixation 2) Assimilation 3) Ammonification 4) Nitrification 5) Denitrification

Answer 1

1 Nitrogen Fixation . conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, performed by bacteria in the roots of legumes or lightning. N2 --> NH3

2 Nitrification conversion of ammonia to nitrite or nitrate performed by bacteria. NH3 --> NO2 --> NO3-

3 Assimilation inorganic nitrogen is uptaken by the roots of plants and becomes part of the food chain. NO3- --> organic nitrogen (proteins and nucleic acids)

4 Ammonification conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia. Performed by decomposers (bacteria, fungus) to return nitrogen to the soil. Organic nitrogen --> NH3

5 Denitrification nitrates are returned to the atmosphere by anaerobic bacteria. NO3- --> N2