AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Nitrification is the process that converts ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate and is another important step in the global nitrogen cycle. Most nitrification occurs aerobically and is carried out exclusively by prokaryotes.

Detailed explanation-2: -Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia to nitrite followed by oxidation of nitrite to nitrate. It is an important step in nitrogen cycle in soil.

Detailed explanation-3: -Stage 3: Nitrification During nitrification the ammonia in the soils, produced during mineralization, is converted into compounds called nitrites, NO2−, and nitrates, NO3−. Nitrates can be used by plants and animals that consume the plants.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia to nitrites or nitrates. Ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are all fixed nitrogen and can be absorbed by plants. Denitrifying bacteria converts nitrates back to nitrogen gas.