Which best compares the roles of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and certain decomposers in the nitrogen cycle?

Question

Both organisms convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds.
Both organisms convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen.
The bacteria convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds, while the decomposers convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen.
The bacteria convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen, while the decomposers convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds.

Answer 1

The best comparison is: The bacteria convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds, while the decomposers convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen.

In the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen-fixing bacteria take atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) and convert it into ammonia (NH₃) or other nitrogen-containing compounds that can be utilized by plants. On the other hand, decomposers break down organic matter and convert nitrogen-containing compounds back into free nitrogen (N₂) gas or into ammonia, which can then re-enter the cycle.