What is nitrogen fixation? Why do plants need to fix nitrogen?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen $(N_2)$ into usable forms like ammonia $(NH_3)$ or oxides of nitrogen $(NO_x)$.
Plants require nitrogen to synthesize essential biological molecules such as proteins,nucleic acids ($DNA$ and $RNA$),and chlorophyll.
Although nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere,plants cannot absorb it directly in its gaseous form $(N_2)$ because the triple covalent bond between nitrogen atoms is extremely stable and difficult to break. Therefore,they rely on nitrogen fixation to convert it into a form that can be assimilated by their roots.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Give the major source of minerals in soil.

What are the three ways by which $CO_{2}$ is returned back into the atmosphere?

There is mass mortality of fishes in a pond. What may be the reasons?

Why is step farming common in hills?

Describe the role of photosynthesis and respiration in the carbon cycle.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo