Why is NITROGEN Important?? Proteins and Amino Acids Nitrogen is a KEY component in: Chlorophyll (Photosynthesis) DNA (Nucleic Acids) Proteins and Amino Acids

The atmosphere is made up of 78% Nitrogen gas (N2) but N2 is not useable by living things

Nitrogen Containing Molecules NITRITE (NO2-) Plants CAN’T use it AMMONIA (NH3) Some Plants CAN use it Nitrogen Containing Molecules NITROUS OXIDES (NO) Pollutants/Byproducts of burning fossil fuels NITROGEN GAS (N2) Plants CAN’T use it NITRATE (NO3-) Plants CAN use it

Processes that convert Nitrogen AMMONIFICATION Nitrogen in Dead organisms & Waste converted to Ammonium -Bacteria, Decomposer, Fungi NITROGEN FIXATION Nitrogen gas (N2) is converted to AMMONIA -BACTERIA -LIGHTNING NITRIFICATION Ammonia converted into Nitrites, then Nitrates -Bacteria Assimilation  Nitrates used to make chlorphyll, amino acids, nucleic acids -Plants Processes that convert Nitrogen DENITRIFICATION Nitrates converted into N2 -Bacteria BURNING FOSSIL FUELS (Combustion) Creates Nitrous Oxides -Humans Fertilizer production N2 converted into Ammonia -Humans

Natural Fixation Human Fixation N2 must be converted to form useable compounds. (Plants can only use Nitrogen when it’s combined with other elements) Natural Fixation “FIXING” NITROGEN Human Fixation LIGHTNING BACTERIA FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING FOSSIL FUEL COMBUSTION

NITROGEN FIXATION BACTERIA in soil and water FIX nitrogen gas from the atmosphere Nitrogen (N2) Ammonia (NH3)

BACTERIA ON THE ROOTS OF SOME PLANTS “FIX” NITROGEN GAS (N2). ALFALFA BACTERIA ON THE ROOTS OF SOME PLANTS “FIX” NITROGEN GAS (N2). CLOVER PEAS LEGUMES.

N2 -------------NO2 and NO3 N2 -------------NH3 Nitrogen can be “FIXED” by LIGHTNING (Energy splits N2, it reacts with O2 . Nitrates dissolve in Water absorbed by plant roots.) N2 -------------NO2 and NO3 (Nitrogen gas ------Nitrite and Nitrate) When humans manufacture fertilizers we are “fixing” nitrogen N2 -------------NH3 (Nitrogen gas -------------Ammonia)

What do these have in common??

Process that converts AMMONIA into NITRITES and NITRATES Done by BACTERIA NH3 Ammonia

ASSIMILATION: Plants absorb nitrates from the soil into their roots ASSIMILATION: Plants absorb nitrates from the soil into their roots. Then the nitrogen gets used in amino acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll.

DENITRIFICATION-this process returns Nitrogen to the atmosphere NITRATE ---------NITROGEN GAS (NO3-----------N2) This is the opposite of Nitrification “De”=opposite of

Ammonification: Part of the Decaying Process Nitrogen in dead organisms and waste into are converted into ammonia

Ammonification is done by 3 different organisms: 1 2 3

You Practice!! With your partners, Properly identify each Phase of the Nitrogen Cycle On the next slide.

Bacteria convert Ammonia into Nitrates DENITRIFICATION Feeding Animals Die or produce waste FIXATION ASSIMILATION AMMONIFICATION NITRIFICATION Bacteria convert Ammonia into Nitrates

Nitrogen Cycle Video