3-4 Ecosystem Recycling Water cycle- Cells contain 70-90% water for chemical reactions to occur. Carbon cycle- part of organic materials (glucose) that living things use for energy Nitrogen cycle- Nitrogen is used for the building of proteins (amino acids) and Nucleic acids.
Water cycle
Carbon Cycle
Nitrogen cycle Nitrogen fixation=N2 into Nitrates (bacteria do this for plants to use) Ammonification=decomposers break down the Nitrogen in dead material into ammonia. Nitrification=Bacteria take up ammonia and oxidize into nitrates and nitrites (plants use this for amino acids) Denitrification=anaerobic bacteria break down nitrates and release N2 back in the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle