WIS 2552 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Nitrogen Cycle, Nitrification, Denitrification

• School: University of Florida
• Department: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
• Course: WIS 2552
• Professor: Michael P Moulton

Document Summary

The n cycle transforms it into more useable forms. First step is fixation: consider n2 -> nh3. This requires input of energy so is an endergonic rxn. Process is mostly faciliated by bacteria that live in association with root nodules of legume plants (most important plants in fixation) Plant obtains useable nitrogen from the bacteria, which in turn ovtain s carbohydrates from the plant. This is called nitrification: nitrate is the most usable from of n for plants. Some convert the amino groups (nh2) or proteins back into ammonia (nh3). This transfers from organic forms of nitrogren to inorganic forms is ammonification. In environments that lack sufficient oxygen (usually wet places), bacteria may convert nitrates no3 to nitrites no2 to nitrogren gas n2. Denitrifcations: carbon cycle, begins when plants take in co2 and h2o, producing simple sugars and o2 oxygen through photosynthesis. Animals then eat plant/other animals, producing co2 and h2o.