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Related Concept Videos

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...
Microbes and the Carbon Cycle01:24

Microbes and the Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is a fundamental Earth process involving the transfer of carbon among the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. It plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate and supporting life by cycling carbon through various chemical forms and reservoirs. Carbon primarily circulates as carbon dioxide (CO₂), representing its oxidized form, while reduced forms such as methane (CH₄) and organic compounds also play essential roles.Microbial activity is central to...
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...
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...
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms01:30

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources
12:47

Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources

Published on: January 22, 2018

The microbial nitrogen cycle.

Mike S M Jetten

    Environmental Microbiology
    |November 1, 2008
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Microbial nitrogen cycle research reveals new insights into nitrogen-fixing bacteria and aerobic ammonium oxidation. Many microbial processes remain uncharacterized, highlighting the need for further study to understand the global nitrogen cycle.

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    Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
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    Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors

    Published on: December 6, 2018

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

    Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources
    12:47

    Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources

    Published on: January 22, 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

    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

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Biogeochemistry
    • Environmental Science

    Background:

    • The microbial nitrogen cycle is crucial for ecosystem function.
    • Understanding microbial roles in nitrogen transformations is essential for environmental management.

    Discussion:

    • Recent discoveries cover nitrogen-fixing bacteria, aerobic ammonium oxidation, nitrification, denitrification, anammox, and organic nitrogen degradation.
    • These studies reveal the diversity and function of microorganisms involved in key nitrogen conversions.

    Key Insights:

    • Diverse nitrogen-fixing bacteria inhabit specialized environments.
    • Aerobic ammonium oxidation by bacteria and archaea is widespread in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
    • Nitrification, denitrification, and anammox processes involve diverse microbial communities with specialized enzymes.

    Outlook:

    • Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding microbial contributions to the nitrogen cycle.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate microbial roles for improved global nitrogen cycle modeling and predictions.