4.10 Nitrogen Cycle

1. N = 78% of atmosphere

2. Plants take nitrogen as Nitrate ions and uses it to manufacture amino acids

3. the amino acids combine together to make a protein

4. This is also important in DNA ( as it contains nitrogen

1. How plants get nitrogen

2. Lightening + N2 + O2 -------> NO3-

1. Plants take the NO3- and change it into Protein.

2. Food Chains --> === Producer --(Passing of protein)--> Primary consumer --> Secondary consumer

--> the plant changes the way the past consumer arranges its protein, rearranging it to match its own.

1. All animals excrete nitrogen --> in the form of urea. (with water = urine)

2. they then go back into the soil

1. Decomposers --> take the nitrogen filled urine, and decaying flesh and change them into NH3 (ammonia)

2. Because plant dont want ammonia, they convert it into NO2- nitrite and NO3 Nitrate by bitrifying bacteria

1. Plants --> in the soil, there is a type of bacteria that is free living. --> it takes N2 from the air and the soil and changes it to NO3-

2. Nodules --> on the roots --> take atmospheric nitrogen to NO3-

1. Denitrifying Bacteria --> take the NO3- and turn it to N2

http://www.fondriest.com/tech_notes-htm/nitrogencycle.htm