Answer:
Nitrogen is an essential component of biomolecules such as amino acids, nucleotides, and proteins, which are necessary for the growth and development of living organisms. However, atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is not directly usable by most organisms. Therefore, a process called nitrogen fixation is required to convert N2 into a usable form for plants and other organisms.
Nitrogen fixation is a process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) or nitrate (NO3-) by certain microorganisms such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, free-living soil bacteria, and symbiotic bacteria present in the roots of leguminous plants.
Once nitrogen is fixed, it can enter the food chain when plants absorb the fixed nitrogen compounds through their roots. These plants are then consumed by animals and other organisms, and the nitrogen is passed through the food chain. When plants and animals die, decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down their organic matter and convert the nitrogen-containing compounds back into ammonia and nitrate.
Overall, nitrogen fixation is a critical process in the ecosystem, allowing nitrogen to cycle through the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem. The following diagram illustrates the nitrogen cycle and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in converting atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia and nitrate, which can be used by plants and other organisms:
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Atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) --> Nitrogen Fixation by Bacteria --> Ammonia (NH3) or Nitrate (NO3-) --> Absorbed by Plants --> Consumed by Animals and other organisms --> Decomposers break down organic matter --> Ammonia and Nitrate
Overall, the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to a usable form is essential for the survival and growth of living organisms, and the nitrogen cycle plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
Step-by-step explanation: