Sunday, 15 June 2014

4.10 describe the stages in the nitrogen cycle, including the roles of nitrogen fixing bacteria, decomposers, nitrifying bacteria and denitrifying bacteria (specific names of bacteria are not required).


  • Nitrogen fixing bacteria - these fix the N2 in the air into useful nitrogen compounds which the plants can use. 
  • Nitrifying bacteria - these turn ammonia in decaying matter into nitrates.
  • Decomposers - these break down proteins and urea (from decaying matter and faeces) into ammonia.
  • Denitrifying bacteria - these convert nitrates back into N2 gas. These are of no use to us.

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