Question

Why is biological nitrogen fixation important in ecology?

Answer 1

Nitrogen fixation:

1. It is the process by which nitrogen is taken in from the atmosphere and converted into other useful compounds.
2. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms.
3. These are then used by plants as nutrients.

Importance of nitrogen fixation:

1. Nitrogen is an important limiting element for the growth and production of plants.
2. They are major components of chlorophyll which is the most vital pigment needed for photosynthesis.
3. Also, they are important for the synthesis of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins.
4. Prokaryotes carry out the process of biological nitrogen fixation that leads to the reduction of molecular nitrogen to ammonia.
5. This subsequently assimilates into amino acids.
6. This event is remarkably important for the recovery of nitrogen which is irreversibly lost due to the activities of bacteria in the ecosystem.
7. Thus, it is important for maintaining a steady flow of nitrogen in the ecosystem.