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Related Concept Videos

Primary Production01:06

Primary Production

The total amount of energy acquired by primary producers in an ecosystem is called gross primary production (GPP). However, of this energy, producers use some for metabolic processes, and some is lost as heat, decreasing the amount of energy available to the next trophic level. The remaining usable amount of energy is called the net primary productivity (NPP). In terrestrial ecosystems, NPP is driven by climate, while light penetration and nutrient availability drive NPP in aquatic ecosystems.
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...
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...
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs01:15

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation. However, because inorganic electron donors...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
09:49

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation

Published on: October 31, 2019

Nitrification on a coral reef.

K L Webb, W J Wiebe

    Canadian Journal of Microbiology
    |September 1, 1975
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Coral reefs, like Enewetak Atoll, can produce nitrate through nitrification. This process involves specific bacteria, such as Nitrobacter agilis, converting ammonia to nitrate within the reef environment.

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    Published on: October 31, 2019

    Coral Reef Arks: An In Situ Mesocosm and Toolkit for Assembling Reef Communities
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    An Integrated Micro-Device System for Coral Growth and Monitoring
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    An Integrated Micro-Device System for Coral Growth and Monitoring

    Published on: July 21, 2023

    Area of Science:

    • Marine biology
    • Environmental science
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems.
    • Nutrient cycling is crucial for reef health.
    • Nitrification plays a key role in nitrogen metabolism.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate nitrate production in the algal pavement of Enewetak Atoll.
    • To identify the microbial pathways and organisms involved in nitrification.

    Main Methods:

    • In situ and in vitro incubations were performed.
    • N-Serve was used to inhibit nitrification and assess pathways.
    • Microbial identification focused on ammonia-oxidizing organisms.

    Main Results:

    • Measurable rates of nitrate production were detected in the algal pavement.
    • The autotrophic pathway, involving two distinct organisms, was confirmed for ammonia oxidation.
    • Nitrobacter agilis was identified as a key organism in the final step of nitrification.

    Conclusions:

    • The algal pavement at Enewetak Atoll is a significant source of nitrate.
    • Nitrification is an active and widespread process within the reef environment.
    • Specific microbial communities drive essential nitrogen transformations in coral reefs.