Question
Explain the role of bacteria in fixing free nitrogen in the environment. Discuss two important roles of organisms in supplying carbon dioxide in the environment.
Answer
Bacteria play a crucial role in fixing free nitrogen in the environment. Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into nitrogenous compounds like ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites by the action of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria have the enzyme nitrogenase that can break the strong triple bond between two nitrogen atoms and combine them with hydrogen to form ammonia.
The two important roles of organisms in supplying carbon dioxide in the environment.
- Photosynthesis: Plants and some other organisms can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds through photosynthesis.
- Respiration: Organisms also release carbon dioxide into the environment as a waste product of respiration. This carbon dioxide can be reabsorbed by photosynthetic organisms to continue the cycle.
