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Related Concept Videos

The Nitrogen Cycle01:49

The Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen atoms, present in all proteins and DNA, are recycled between abiotic and biotic components of the ecosystem. However, the primary form of nitrogen on Earth is nitrogen gas, which cannot be used by most animals and plants. Thus, nitrogen gas must first be converted into a usable form by nitrogen-fixing bacteria before it can be cycled through other living organisms. The use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers and animal waste products in human agriculture has greatly influenced the...
The Equilibrium Constant03:10

The Equilibrium Constant

Consider the oxidation of sulfur dioxide:
Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism01:20

Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism

Nitrogen is a very important element for life because it is a major constituent of proteins and nucleic acids. It is a macronutrient, and in nature, it is recycled from organic compounds and stored in the form of  ammonia, ammonium ions, nitrate, nitrite, or  nitrogen gas by many metabolic processes. Many of these metabolic processes are carried out only by prokaryotes.
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this nitrogen...
Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation01:22

Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation

Nitrogen is an essential element in biological systems, forming a crucial component of proteins, nucleic acids, and other cellular constituents. Many bacteria and archaea acquire nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) or ammonia (NH₃), which are then assimilated into biomolecules through specific enzymatic pathways.Assimilatory Nitrate ReductionWhen nitrate enters the cell, it undergoes a two-step reduction process known as assimilatory nitrate reduction. Initially, the enzyme nitrate reductase...
Microbes and the Nitrogen Cycle01:26

Microbes and the Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is a complex biogeochemical process critical to maintaining the balance of nitrogenous compounds in ecosystems. This cycle involves multiple microbial-mediated transformations through which nitrogen changes oxidation states, supporting essential ecological functions and contributing to plant and microbial growth.Nitrogen Fixation and AmmonificationNitrogen fixation initiates the cycle by converting inert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into bioavailable ammonia (NH₃), a process...
Bioreactor Controls-I01:28

Bioreactor Controls-I

Maintaining optimal conditions within fermenters is essential for maximizing microbial productivity and ensuring process efficiency. This lesson focuses on key parameters—temperature, foam, pH, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and pressure—and their precise measurement and control strategies in fermentation systems.Temperature ControlTemperature regulation is critical due to the exothermic nature of many fermentation processes. In small laboratory fermenters, temperature is commonly monitored using...

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A simplified closed artificial ecosystem--recycling of organic matter into wheat plants.

Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)·2001
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Development of autonomous control in a closed microbial bioreactor.

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Controlling denitrification in closed artificial ecosystems.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 26, 2026

On-line Analysis of Nitrogen Containing Compounds in Complex Hydrocarbon Matrixes
07:49

On-line Analysis of Nitrogen Containing Compounds in Complex Hydrocarbon Matrixes

Published on: August 5, 2016

Nitrogen dynamics in controlled systems: meeting summary and conclusions.

D T Smernoff1, G Heyenga

  • 1SETI Institute, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000, USA.

Life Support & Biosphere Science : International Journal of Earth Space
|January 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

This meeting summarized nitrogen cycling in controlled systems for NASA life support. Understanding nitrogen

Area of Science:

  • Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Controlled Environment Systems
  • Life Support Technology

Background:

  • Nitrogen is crucial for biological systems.
  • Nitrogen undergoes biotic and abiotic transformations.
  • Understanding nitrogen dynamics is vital for closed-system life support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Summarize current data, theories, and hypotheses on nitrogen cycling energetics, dynamics, and stability.
  • Inform NASA's development of advanced life support systems.
  • Identify future research needs for nitrogen recycling in controlled environments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of findings from a September 1995 meeting in Berkeley, CA.
  • Synthesis of participant discussions on nitrogen cycling.

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Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors

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Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
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Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 26, 2026

On-line Analysis of Nitrogen Containing Compounds in Complex Hydrocarbon Matrixes
07:49

On-line Analysis of Nitrogen Containing Compounds in Complex Hydrocarbon Matrixes

Published on: August 5, 2016

Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
07:59

Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors

Published on: December 6, 2018

Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
08:05

Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O

Published on: October 7, 2020

  • Identification of knowledge gaps and research priorities.

    • Main Results:

    • Current understanding of nitrogen cycling in controlled systems was assessed.
    • Key challenges and opportunities for nitrogen management were identified.
    • The critical role of nitrogen in life support systems was emphasized.

    Conclusions:

    • Efficient and reliable life support systems require a thorough understanding of nitrogen cycling.
    • Further research is needed to optimize nitrogen regeneration in closed environments.
    • Collaboration between scientists and engineers is essential for advancing life support technology.