The Nitrogen Cycle
By Alexis Contreras
The Nitrogen Cycle
The Nitrogen Cycle involves Nitrogen as it travels from the atmosphere to the ground and into living organisms such as plants and animals. the nitrogen cycle is very important as it makes up parts of our DNA codes for producing proteins and nucleic acids. Nitrogen cannot be taken up in its base form, it must go through different processes in order for it to be acceptable by the plants who absorb it.
Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen molecules (N2) are pretty hard to break apart, so it requires a substantial amount of energy to break. Forces such as lightning, extreme temperature and pressure, and certain micro organisms are able to pull apart nitrogen..
Nitrification or Ammonification
Nitrogen can be taken up as ammonia by plants and then converted into either Nitrites or Nitrates. The organisms that contribute to this change are called Nitrifying bacteria.
Denitrification
Denitrification is the process of reducing nitrites and nitrates by having them turn into a gaseous state and release it into the atmosphere.
Decay
Decaying is the process of breaking down material that isn't used anymore. Many dead organisms are broken down to be recycled and start a-new. Since Nitrogen is part of life, the "nitrogen fixing bacteria" get a hold of the nitrogen, begin breaking it down and then it is released into the atmosphere.