Question

What is nitrogen fixation? Give some examples of nitrogen fixation.

Short answer

Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) or other nitrogenous compounds that can be utilized by plants for growth. Examples of nitrogen fixation processes include biological nitrogen fixation by nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and cyanobacteria; abiotic nitrogen fixation through lightning events; and industrial nitrogen fixation via the Haber-Bosch process, which produces ammonia for fertilizers.

Step-by-step solution

Define Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen fixation is a natural biological process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or other nitrogenous compounds that can be used by plants to develop and grow. This process is essential because nitrogen is a key component of essential biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll. Since most plants cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen, nitrogen fixation helps to make this crucial element available for their growth and development.

Provide Examples of Nitrogen Fixation

There are several ways for nitrogen to be fixed, including biological, abiotic, and industrial processes. Below are examples of each type: 1. Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF): BNF is performed by some specialized bacteria, known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which have the enzyme nitrogenase. Nitrogenase is capable of breaking the strong triple bond between the nitrogen atoms in N₂ molecules, eventually converting nitrogen into ammonia. There are various nitrogen-fixing bacteria, including: a) Rhizobium: Rhizobium bacterium forms a symbiotic relationship with the root nodules of legume plants, such as peas, beans, and clover. They use the energy from the plant to fix nitrogen and, in return, provide the plant with ammonia, which the plant can convert into nitrogen-containing compounds. b) Azotobacter: Azotobacter is a free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium found in the soil. It can fix nitrogen in the presence of oxygen, unlike other nitrogen-fixing bacteria. It makes a small contribution to nitrogen fixation, but it can improve soil fertility by producing biologically active compounds like hormones, vitamins, and antibiotics that can stimulate plant growth. c) Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae): Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that can fix nitrogen in water bodies and moist soils. They can form symbiotic relationships with plants like water ferns and lichens, providing them with nitrogen in exchange for sugar. 2. Abiotic Nitrogen Fixation: This process occurs naturally when nitrogen gas reacts with other molecules during lightning events, leading to the formation of nitrogen oxides that dissolve in rainwater, forming nitrates. The nitrates can then be absorbed by plants in the soil. 3. Industrial Nitrogen Fixation (Haber-Bosch Process): The Haber-Bosch process is a human-made process of nitrogen fixation, which uses high temperature and pressure to convert nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas into ammonia. This ammonia is then used to make nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which are applied to agricultural fields to increase crop yield.