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Related Concept Videos

The Nitrogen Cycle01:49

The Nitrogen Cycle

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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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The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition02:11

The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

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Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
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Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism01:20

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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

Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation

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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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Carbon-dioxide Fixation01:28

Carbon-dioxide Fixation

Carbon dioxide fixation in prokaryotes enables the assimilation of inorganic carbon into organic molecules, supporting biosynthetic pathways, sustaining ecosystems, and contributing to the global carbon cycle. It also has industrial applications in carbon capture and bioproduct synthesis. Autotrophic organisms rely on this process to utilize CO₂ as a carbon source in diverse environments.The Calvin CycleThe Calvin cycle is the most widespread carbon fixation mechanism, primarily used by...
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores02:40

Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores

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Plants often form mutualistic relationships with soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria to enhance their roots’ nutrient uptake ability. Root-colonizing fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) increase a plant’s root surface area, which promotes nutrient absorption. While root-colonizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., rhizobia) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants for various biological functions. For example, nitrogen is essential for the...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2025

Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling
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Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling

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Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in trees: patterns, controls and ecosystem consequences.

Benton N Taylor1,2

  • 1Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

Tree Physiology
|December 10, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) by trees is crucial for global nitrogen cycling. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding tree SNF drivers and ecosystem impacts, essential for forest health.

Keywords:
Frankiaactinorhizallegumenodulerhizobiarosids

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2025

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Forest Science

Background:

  • Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) is a major natural source of bioavailable nitrogen.
  • Historically, SNF research focused on herbaceous and agricultural plants.
  • Recent decades show significant advances in understanding tree SNF in forests and savannas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize recent research on nitrogen-fixing trees in natural ecosystems.
  • To review local and global patterns, environmental drivers, and ecosystem effects of tree SNF.
  • To illuminate the future role of tree SNF in forest functioning under global change.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing recent advances in tree SNF research.
  • Analysis of mathematical theory, experimental studies, and observational data.
  • Examination of process-based ecosystem models incorporating tree SNF.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress in understanding tree SNF theory, regulation, and abundance patterns.
  • Increased incorporation of tree SNF into ecosystem models.
  • Identification of key drivers and community/ecosystem effects of tree SNF.

Conclusions:

  • Tree SNF is a critical process in natural ecosystems with broad ecological impacts.
  • Understanding tree SNF drivers and consequences is vital for predicting forest responses to climate change, altered nutrient cycling, and land use.
  • Further research is needed to fully integrate tree SNF into ecosystem management and conservation strategies.