QABiology › Why are bacteria a necessary part of the nitrogen cycle?
Q

Why are bacteria a necessary part of the nitrogen cycle?

A. Other living things cannot use atmospheric nitrogen.

B. Other living things cannot use the nitrogen in plants.

C. Bacteria are the main nitrogen reservoir.

D. Bacteria are the main nitrogen transpirators.

A

Answer: A. Other living things cannot use atmospheric nitrogen.

The nitrogen cycle involves a series of mechanisms leading to the interconversion of nitrogen and nitrogenous compounds gotten from the atmosphere. In the nitrogen cycle, bacteria are very important because atmospheric nitrogen can in no way be directly utilized by plants. Rhizobium, a type of bacteria plays an important role in nitrogen fixation. By converting atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia (NH3) which is then taken by plants to make organic molecules. These molecules containing nitrogen are then passed to animals when these animals consume plants. The nitrogen gotten from these plants by the animals is then infused into the animal’s body or excreted as waste when broken down. This can be seen in urea found in urine.

3 years ago
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