Question

1. nitrogen is an essential molecule for the production of proteins in living organisms. (10 points)

a. what role does lightning play in the nitrogen cycle? (2 points)
b. what are two functions of plants and animals in the nitrogen cycle? (4 points)
c. what are two functions of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle? (4 points)

Explanation:

A. Lightning provides high - energy conditions that cause nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere to react, forming nitrogen oxides which can be converted to nitrates and enter the soil.
B. Plants take up nitrates from the soil for protein synthesis and animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals. Also, plants and animals release nitrogen back to the environment through decomposition.
C. Nitrogen - fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, and denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.

Answer:

A. Lightning causes nitrogen and oxygen to react, forming nitrogen - containing compounds that enter the soil.
B. 1. Plants take up nitrogen for protein synthesis. 2. Plants and animals release nitrogen through decomposition.
C. 1. Nitrogen - fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. 2. Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates to nitrogen gas.