The nitrogen cycle is the process where nitrogen is interconverted through the environment and living organisms.
STEP ONE
Nitrogen fixing bacteria takes in nitrogen and produces ammonia.
Nitrogen fixing bacteria takes in nitrogen and produces ammonia.
STEP TWO
Other bacteria use ammonia to produce oxygen and nitrogen containing compounds, nitrates and nitrites.
Other bacteria use ammonia to produce oxygen and nitrogen containing compounds, nitrates and nitrites.
STEP THREE
Plants make amino acids using nitrates and nitrites. The amino acids are made into proteins.
Plants make amino acids using nitrates and nitrites. The amino acids are made into proteins.
STEP FOUR
Organisms consume plants and make amino acids using the plants' amino acids.
Organisms consume plants and make amino acids using the plants' amino acids.
STEP FIVE
Decomposers make ammonia from nitrogen found in other organisms and return it to the soil. Some return nitrogen to the atmosphere, although these are very few.
Decomposers make ammonia from nitrogen found in other organisms and return it to the soil. Some return nitrogen to the atmosphere, although these are very few.