Bagaimana Cara Organisme Memperoleh Nitrogen Jelaskan

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, in this article, we will be discussing the various ways that organisms obtain nitrogen. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient required by all living organisms for various processes such as growth and reproduction. However, nitrogen is not always abundant in the environment, and organisms have to adapt to survive. In this article, we will explore the various methods organisms use to acquire nitrogen, how they work, and their importance.

1. Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is a natural process that transforms nitrogen from one form to another through various biological and physical processes. The cycle consists of several steps:

1. Nitrogen fixation
2. Nitrification
3. Assimilation
4. Ammonification
5. Denitrification

Nitrogen Fixation

The first step of the nitrogen cycle is nitrogen fixation, which is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form by plants and animals. This process is carried out by certain bacteria found in soils, water, and the roots of leguminous plants. They convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which is then converted into other forms of nitrogen.

There are two types of nitrogen fixation:

1. Biological Nitrogen Fixation
2. Industrial Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrification

The next step of the nitrogen cycle is nitrification. This process occurs when ammonia is converted into nitrate by bacteria. Nitrate is a form of nitrogen that plants can easily absorb and use for growth.

There are two types of nitrification:

1. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB)
2. Nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB)

Assimilation

Assimilation is the process of incorporating nitrogen into organic molecules, such as amino acids and nucleotides, in plants and animals. Plants absorb nitrogen through their roots in the form of nitrate, ammonium, or amino acids. Animals acquire nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals that contain nitrogen.

Ammonification

Ammonification is the process of converting organic nitrogen into ammonia by bacteria. This occurs when dead plant or animal matter is broken down by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi, releasing ammonia into the soil.

Denitrification

Denitrification is the process of converting nitrate back into atmospheric nitrogen by bacteria. This is an essential process in the nitrogen cycle, as it balances the amount of nitrogen available to plants and animals.

2. Nitrogen Fixation by Bacteria

Bacteria are the primary organisms responsible for nitrogen fixation. They convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants and animals can use. Bacteria carry out two types of nitrogen fixation: symbiotic and free-living nitrogen fixation.

Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation occurs when bacteria establish a symbiotic relationship with plants. The bacteria live in the roots of leguminous plants, such as peas and beans, and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for the plant. In return, the plants provide the bacteria with carbohydrates and other nutrients.

Free-Living Nitrogen Fixation

Free-living nitrogen fixation occurs when bacteria live freely in the soil or water and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. These bacteria are essential for maintaining nitrogen levels in the environment, as they provide a continuous supply of nitrogen for plants and animals.

3. Nitrogen Fixation by Lightning

Lightning provides an essential source of nitrogen to the environment. Lightning converts atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate, which is then deposited on the soil surface through rainfall. Plants can absorb this nitrate and use it for growth.

4. Nitrogen Acquisition by Fungi

Fungi play a vital role in nitrogen acquisition in soil ecosystems. Fungi have the ability to break down organic matter and extract nitrogen from it. They also have a symbiotic relationship with plants, where they form mycorrhizal associations. In this association, the fungi establish a relationship with the roots of plants and help the plants acquire nutrients, including nitrogen, from the soil.

5. Nitrogen Acquisition by Animals

Animals acquire nitrogen by consuming other animals or plants. They break down the proteins in the food they consume and use the nitrogen to make their own proteins. Animals excrete excess nitrogen in the form of urea or uric acid.

FAQs

Q1. Why is nitrogen essential for living organisms?

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient required for various biological processes, such as growth and reproduction. It is a component of proteins, nucleotides, and other important biomolecules.

Q2. What is the primary source of nitrogen for plants and animals?

The primary source of nitrogen for plants and animals is the nitrogen cycle, which transforms atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.

Q3. How do bacteria fix nitrogen?

Bacteria fix nitrogen by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, such as ammonia or nitrate. They carry out this process using enzymes called nitrogenase.

Q4. What is the role of fungi in nitrogen acquisition?

Fungi play an essential role in nitrogen acquisition in soil ecosystems. They have the ability to break down organic matter and extract nitrogen from it. They also have a symbiotic relationship with plants, where they help the plants acquire nutrients, including nitrogen, from the soil.

Q5. How do animals acquire nitrogen?

Animals acquire nitrogen by consuming other animals or plants. They break down the proteins in the food they consume and use the nitrogen to make their own proteins. Animals excrete excess nitrogen in the form of urea or uric acid.

Term	Definition
Nitrogen Cycle	The process of transforming nitrogen from one form to another through various biological and physical processes.
Nitrogen Fixation	The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form by plants and animals.
Nitrification	The process of converting ammonia into nitrate by bacteria.
Assimilation	The process of incorporating nitrogen into organic molecules such as amino acids and nucleotides in plants and animals.
Ammonification	The process of converting organic nitrogen into ammonia by bacteria.
Denitrification	The process of converting nitrate back into atmospheric nitrogen by bacteria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nitrogen is an essential nutrient required for various biological processes. Organisms have adapted to acquire nitrogen through various methods such as the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen fixation by bacteria, lightning, fungi, and animals. Each method plays an essential role in maintaining nitrogen levels in the environment, and without it, life as we know it would not be possible.

Bagaimana Cara Organisme Memperoleh Nitrogen Jelaskan