Question

The three steps of the nitrogen cycle in order starting with nitrogen gas in the atmosphere are a. nitrification nitrogen fixation and dentrification B. nitrogen fixation nitrification and dentrificationc. nitrogen fixation dentrification and nitrification d. Denitrification nitrification and nitrogen fixation

Answer 1

The correct order of the three steps of the nitrogen cycle, starting with nitrogen gas in the atmosphere, is B. nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

1. Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen gas (N₂) from the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH₃) by certain bacteria or through industrial processes.
2. Nitrification: Ammonia is further converted into nitrates (NO₃⁻) by nitrifying bacteria.
3. Denitrification: Nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas (N₂) by denitrifying bacteria, completing the cycle.

So the complete cycle flows from nitrogen gas to ammonia, then to nitrates, and finally back to nitrogen gas.