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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism01:20

Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism

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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...
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Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation01:22

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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...
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The Nitrogen Cycle01:49

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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...
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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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Crop cultivation has a long history in human civilization, with records showing the cultivation of cereal plants beginning at around 8000 BC. This early plant breeding was developed primarily to provide a steady supply of food.
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Bioremediation00:46

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Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
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Updated: May 1, 2026

Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources
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Biotechnological solutions to the nitrogen problem.

Giles E D Oldroyd1, Ray Dixon1

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Summary
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Nitrogen deficiency limits crop growth globally. Introducing nitrogen-fixing bacteria or enzymes into crops offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, crucial for food security.

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Nitrogen availability is a primary constraint on crop yields worldwide.
  • Current reliance on inorganic fertilizers is unsustainable and inaccessible in many regions.
  • Biological nitrogen fixation by microbes offers a sustainable alternative for crop nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of introducing nitrogen-fixing capabilities into cereal crops.
  • To address the limitations of nitrogen availability for crop production, particularly for small-holder farmers.
  • To leverage microbial nitrogen fixation as a sustainable solution for agriculture.

Main Methods:

  • Investigating the introduction of nitrogen-fixing bacteria into crop plants.
  • Exploring the integration of the nitrogenase enzyme into cereal crops.
  • Reviewing recent biotechnological advancements relevant to nitrogen fixation.

Main Results:

  • Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and Archaea can convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia.
  • This biological process presents a viable route for enhancing crop nutrition.
  • Recent scientific progress provides a foundation for developing these biotechnologies.

Conclusions:

  • Biotechnological approaches to nitrogen fixation in crops are feasible.
  • These methods offer a sustainable alternative to inorganic fertilizers.
  • Further development is needed to implement these solutions for global food security.