Question

Give three example of ways in which microbes participate in nutrient cycles.

Answer 1

Three bacteria involve in nitrogen cycle are given below.

1). During the conversion of nitrogen, cyanobacteria will first convert nitrogen into ammonia and ammonium, during the nitrogen fixation process.

Rhizobium bacteria involve in nitrogen fixation process.

N2 + 3H2 --> 2NH3

2). After ammonium fixation, the ammonia and ammonium that is formed will be transferred further, during the nitrification process. Aerobic bacteria use oxygen to convert these compounds. Nitrosomonas bacteria first convert nitrogen gas to nitrite (NO₂^-).

2NH3 + 3O2 --> 2NO2^- + 2H+ + 2H2O

3). Nitrobacter convert nitrite to nitrate (NO₃^-), a plant nutrient.

2NO2^- + O2 --> 2NO3^-