Which of the following best describes the nitrogen fixation process?

Question

Producers use the energy from sunlight to fix nitrogen gas in the atmosphere. Producers can then absorb nitrogen though their leaves.

Soil bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, nitrites, and then nitrates. Nitrates are then absorbed by producers.

Consumers convert nitrgen gas into ammonia, nitrites, and then nitrates. Waste from consumers adds nitrogen to the soil which can be used by producers.

Producers convert nitrogen gas into nitrates in the soil. Producers can then absorb nitrates through their roots.

Answer 1

The process of nitrogen fixation is best described by the second option:

Soil bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, nitrites, and then nitrates. Nitrates are then absorbed by producers.

In this process, certain bacteria (such as those in the soil or in symbiotic relationships with plants) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃), which can then be further converted into nitrites (NO₂⁻) and nitrates (NO₃⁻). These nitrates are essential nutrients that plants absorb through their roots to synthesize proteins and other important compounds.