Prokaryotes perform a variety of roles in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas in the atmosphere to ammonia in the soil and within the root nodules of some plants. Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia to nitrites or nitrates. Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates to nitrogen gas.
Prokaryotes play several roles in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil and within the root nodules of some plants convert nitrogen gas in the atmosphere to ammonia. Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia to nitrites or nitrates. ... Denitrifying bacteria converts nitrates back to nitrogen gas.
Bacteria release nitrogen into the air, and decomposers break down wastes and remains, returning them to the soil.
