How do you remember the nitrogen cycle?

Question

Nathan Abbe · Accepted Answer

This is a hard one - I confess that I would probably "google it". But here are some tips if you think it might be asked on an exam.

Start with a picture of the nitrogen cycle that may be in your text - see the example below...

1) try to re-draw the picture yourself a couple of times.

2) try to make up a story about the diagram...the plant started to use nitrogen, then the decomposers got in the act... and so on. The funnier your story the more likely you will remember it!

3) tell a friend your story and get them to quiz you on it.

4) try and draw it again

Connor Anderson · Answer

undefined The nitrogen cycle consists of several key processes: nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, and denitrification. Nitrogen fixation involves converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Nitrification converts ammonium ions into nitrites and then nitrates, performed by nitrifying bacteria. Assimilation involves the uptake of nitrogen compounds by plants and their incorporation into organic molecules. Ammonification is the breakdown of organic nitrogen compounds into ammonium ions by decomposer bacteria. Denitrification is the conversion of nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria.