Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen Notes Nitrogen N is an

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen Notes � Nitrogen (N) is an essential component of DNA, RNA, and proteins, the building blocks of life. � Although the majority of the air we breathe is N 2, most of the nitrogen in the atmosphere is unavailable for use by organisms because strong triple bond between the N atoms in N 2 molecules makes it lifeless. � Exists in both inorganic and organic forms.

Chemical Reactions Involved � Five main processes cycle nitrogen through the biosphere, atmosphere, and geospehere. � Nitrogen Fixation- N 2 > NH 4+ � Nitrogen uptake - NH 4+ > Organic N � Nitrogen mineralization (decay)Organic N > NH 4+ � Nitrification NH 4+ > NO 3 � Denitrification NO 3 > N 2+ N 2 O

Inorganic and Organic Reservoirs for Nitrogen � Nitrogen is primarily stored in living and dead organic matter. � This organic nitrogen is converted into inorganic forms when it re-enters the biogeochemical cycle also known as decomposition

Pathway of Movement

Human Intervention in the Nitrogen Cycle � Humans have become as important a source of fixed nitrogen as all natural sources combined

Bibliography Harrison, John. "The Nitrogen Cycle. " Visionlearning. Inc, 2003. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http: //www. visionlearning. com/library/mod ule_viewer. php? mid=98>. � EBook. "9(s) The Nitrogen Cycle. " Geography : Physical Geography. Physical. Geography. net, 2006. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http: //www. physicalgeography. net/fundam entals/9 s. html>. �