AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Processes in the nitrogen cycle. Five main processes cycle nitrogen through the biosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere: nitrogen fixation, nitrogen uptake through organismal growth, nitrogen mineralization through decay, nitrification, and denitrification.

Detailed explanation-2: -The plants absorb the usable nitrogen compounds from the soil through their roots. Then, these nitrogen compounds are used for the production of proteins and other compounds in the plant cell. Animals assimilate nitrogen by consuming these plants or other animals that contain nitrogen.

Detailed explanation-3: -Animals secure their nitrogen (and all other) compounds from plants (or animals that have fed on plants). Four processes participate in the cycling of nitrogen through the biosphere: (1) nitrogen fixation, (2) decay, (3) nitrification, and (4) denitrification. Microorganisms play major roles in all four of these.

Detailed explanation-4: -Overview: The nitrogen cycle involves three major steps: nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification. It is a cycle within the biosphere which involves the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Nitrogen is found in several locations, or reservoirs.