MICROBIAL ROLES IN ECOSYSTEMS

Question 1

How do microbes contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

Answer 1

Microbes such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use, while others break down organic matter, returning nitrogen to the soil.

Question 2

How do microbes contribute to oxygen production?

Answer 2

Photosynthetic microbes, like cyanobacteria, produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis, contributing significantly more oxygen to Earth’s atmosphere than plants.