[gibb]

Hi

I understand that plants can absorb both ammonium ions and nitrate ions, nitrites being detrimental to them.

Therefore does the process of nitrification, tHe conversion of ammonium ions to nitrates have any benefit to the plants? Or is it just there to benefit the bacteria involved.

The official OCR text doesn't say anything about why nitrification happens, the nitrates are absorbed by plants but I understand that they are then reduced into ammonium before being used.

What is the importance of nitrification? Or is it purely to benefit the bacteria involved?


Thanks!


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[asaaal]

(Original post by gibb)
Hi

I understand that plants can absorb both ammonium ions and nitrate ions, nitrites being detrimental to them.

Therefore does the process of nitrification, tHe conversion of ammonium ions to nitrates have any benefit to the plants? Or is it just there to benefit the bacteria involved.

The official OCR text doesn't say anything about why nitrification happens, the nitrates are absorbed by plants but I understand that they are then reduced into ammonium before being used.

What is the importance of nitrification? Or is it purely to benefit the bacteria involved?


Thanks!


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Hii, I think youre getting a bit confused here gibb
Plants cannot absorb ammonium ions directly
they have to be converted to nitrites then to nitrates otherwise youre right there wouldnt even be a point if they could absorb them ammonium ions

hope that helps

[gibb]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitroge...e#Assimilation

Wikipedia suggests they can? I might look and see if there are any previous exam questions on this.


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[asaaal]

(Original post by gibb)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitroge...e#Assimilation

Wikipedia suggests they can? I might look and see if there are any previous exam questions on this.


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As far as ocr bio4 are concerned i promise you it cant ;p.. let me know though, itll be interesting

[gibb]

I've been googling around and there is lots of discussion about this on fish keeping forums. Seems plants can absorb both but I can't find anything reliable about the preference or purpose for absorbing NO3-. I think is it probably one of those annoying parts of the spec where just swallowing the textbook is e better option.

However I will ask my teacher after half term and post here his answer if I remember.


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