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Related Concept Videos

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...
1° Amines to Diazonium or Aryldiazonium Salts: Diazotization with NaNO2 Overview01:26

1° Amines to Diazonium or Aryldiazonium Salts: Diazotization with NaNO2 Overview

Nitrous acid and nitric acids are two types of acids containing nitrogen, among which nitrous acid is weaker than nitric acid. Nitrous acid with a pKa value of 3.37 ionizes in water to give a nitrite ion and the hydronium ion.
The nitrous acid is unstable. Hence, it is formed in situ from a solution of sodium nitrite and cold aqueous acids such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. In an acidic solution, the –OH group of nitrous acid undergoes protonation to give oxonium ion, followed by water loss...
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...
Responses to Salt Stress02:02

Responses to Salt Stress

Salt stress—which can be triggered by high salt concentrations in a plant’s environment—can significantly affect plant growth and crop production by influencing photosynthesis and the absorption of water and nutrients.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

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

Ammonium and nitrate tolerance in lichens.

Markus Hauck1

  • 1Department of Plant Ecology, Albrecht von Haller Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany. mhauck@gwdg.de

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 26, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Lichens efficiently absorb ammonia and nitrate, but high nitrogen levels can harm them. Their tolerance to nitrogen pollution depends on the photobiont

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Botany
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Lichens are highly sensitive to atmospheric changes due to their uptake over the entire thallus surface.
  • Research focus has shifted from sulfur dioxide to nitrogen pollution (ammonia and nitrate) affecting lichen vegetation.
  • Increased global levels of ammonia and nitrate necessitate research into lichen tolerance to nitrogen pollution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss findings on ammonia and nitrate uptake in lichen symbiosis.
  • To explore the tolerance of lichens to nitrogen-induced eutrophication.
  • To understand the mechanisms of nitrogen assimilation and sensitivity in lichens.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on lichen response to atmospheric nitrogen compounds.

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Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

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

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  • Analysis of physiological and biochemical mechanisms of ammonia and nitrate uptake.
  • Evaluation of factors influencing lichen tolerance to nitrogen pollution.

    • Main Results:

    • Lichens efficiently uptake both ammonia and nitrate under ambient atmospheric conditions.
    • The photobiont's capacity to supply carbon skeletons for ammonia assimilation is crucial for nitrogen tolerance.
    • Low-productivity lichens appear more susceptible to excess nitrogen levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Lichens play a significant role in nutrient cycling and are sensitive indicators of atmospheric nitrogen deposition.
    • Understanding nitrogen uptake and tolerance mechanisms is vital for assessing ecosystem health.
    • Conservation strategies for lichens must consider the impact of increasing nitrogen pollution.