Nitrogen cycle

Question 1

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Answer 1

• Carry out nitrogen fixation, which converts nitrogen gas to nitrates.
• Found in soil and root nodules of legumes (e.g. clovers)
• Use the glucose of the plant as food and in return provide nitrates to the plant.

Question 2

Nitrifying bacteria

Answer 2

Bacteria performs nitrification (converts ammonia in soil to nitrates)

Question 3

Denitrifying bacteria

Answer 3

Bacteria that perform denitrification (convert nitrates in the soil to nitrogen gas)

Question 4

Bacteria & Fungi

Answer 4

Microbes that carry out decomposition (break down protein in dead organisms into nitrates) Essential to maintain the cycle