Nitrogen Cycle As the Most Thesis

Total Length: 641 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 3

Page 1 of 2

When organisms higher on the food chain -- like human beings -- eat plants and other organisms lower on the food chain, they absorb and utilize the nitrogen that was originally fixed by these bacteria (Harrison 2003). In this way, the nitrogen from the atmosphere is able to make it through the entire biosphere. The cycle is not complete, however, until the nitrogen is returned back to the atmosphere. This occurs when higher organisms die, and decay (as well as metabolic process of other bacteria and fungi) converts the fixed nitrogen back to ammonia, or even further into nitrates which will eventually break down further and become nitrogen gas again, returning to the atmosphere (Kimball 2008). Sometimes the nitrogen products of decay return to the soil or directly to plants, and other byproducts can actually build up to toxic levels in soil and in the world's oceans (Harrison 2003).
In this latter regard, much if the blame lies with the artificial manipulation of the nitrogen cycle through human industrial activities and fertilization.

Humans need nitrogen, like other organisms, because it is one of the most basic building blocks of life. It is an ingredient in every single amino acid, and thus is one of the most basic ingredients in proteins -- the most fundamental organic compound (UC 2003). As an ingredient in nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA, it is also necessary for proper cell division and the continuation of genetic material. It is for these reasons that nitrogen is so essential to life; human beings' alteration of the nitrogen cycle is leading to toxic forms of the element, but a healthy amount is an absolute necessity......

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Nitrogen Cycle As The Most" (2010, January 04) Retrieved June 5, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/nitrogen-cycle-most-15956

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Nitrogen Cycle As The Most" 04 January 2010. Web.5 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/nitrogen-cycle-most-15956>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Nitrogen Cycle As The Most", 04 January 2010, Accessed.5 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/nitrogen-cycle-most-15956