Biogeochemical Cycles

The Nitrogen Cycle helps build proteins throughout ecosystems

The role of earthworms

Slide Notes

_____________________________ Proteins are essential for life. Proteins build bodies.

Proteins form
Nitrogen atoms are neither
created nor destroyed. Nitrogen
is recycled through the
biosphere, hydrosphere,
lithosphere and the atmosphere.

Small molecules may be built into Protein molecules do cellular jobs

large molecules.

Large molecules may be broken

into small molecules.

Protein molecules are very large and When proteins are burnt we observe that they are
complex. made of

Proteins are arranged in complex folded molecules.

Composition of Earth’s atmosphere

78% of the atmosphere is nitrogen. Nitrogen is
inert; it is _____________________________.

Nitrogen atoms are held tightly in nitrogen

molecules with a ______________________
______________.

Worm nitrogenous waste is made of small

We found that the pH of worm
castings was about pH = 5
slightly _________________.
molecules such as amino acids, urea and ammonia.
 40% amino acids - glycine; C2H5O2N
 40% urea - CH4ON2
 20% ammonia - NH3
Worm castings are used as fertiliser on plants.
Plants can then build
__________________________ .

Morritt for DOE General Integrated Science Year 11

 The Importance of Nitrogen and the Nitrogen Cycle

Three simple nitrogenous molecules

ammonia glycine, an amino acid

Simple nitrogenous molecules are built into complex nitrogen-containing protein molecules like actin. Actin is the protein in muscle.

Plants build proteins out of simple nitrogen compounds Bacteria living in the worm castings convert simple
such as; nitrogen compounds into nitrogen gas.
- NH3
- CH4ON2 Different types of bacteria convert nitrogen gas into simple
amino acids - eg. C2H5O2N nitrogen compounds.

Worms digest proteins into

Morritt for DOE General Integrated Science Year 11

Morritt for DOE General Integrated Science Year 11