Cycling of Matter Nutrient Cycles

Cycling of Matter Nutrient Cycles: The movement of matter through living things, the physical environment and chemical reactions Ex. C, N, P, H2O , etc.

Recall… “Matter is neither created nor destroyed” Atoms simply change form… from molecule to molecule!

The Carbon Cycle Carbon is found as CO2 in the air and as part of almost all organic molecules Glucose Lipid Amino Acid

The Carbon Cycle: CO2 Photosynthesis Respiration Producers Consumers Decomposers Compacted into Fossil Fuels

Changes to the Carbon Cycle:

Carbon Cycle cartoon

Speeding up the Cycle

Changes in the Cycle

The result is Global Warming!

The Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen is found as N2 in the air, in animal wastes and fertilizers, and in many organic molecules (proteins, nucleic acids, etc.) N N Protein Chain

The Nitrogen Cycle: N2 Nitrogen Fixation Denitrification Consumers (Bacteria) Denitrification (Anaerobic Bacteria) Consumers Nitrates (NO3-) Producers

Here’s the problem: Nitrogen gas (N2) is a very stable molecule and does not react easily. To be useful to organisms, nitrogen must be in the form of Nitrate ions (NO3-)

NITROGEN FIXATION Bacteria Lightning The process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into nitrate ions (NO3-)

Nitrogen Fixation by Bacteria Most Nitrogen in an ecosystem fixed by bacteria. Usually found in soil, but sometimes found on roots of plants

Nitrogen fixation By Lightning Energy causes nitrogen to react with oxygen in the atmosphere, forming nitrates. Nitrates dissolve in water and enter the roots of plants.

THE ROLE OF DECOMPOSERS Break down dead matter and return Nitrates to the soil and to plants!

But…how does Nitrogen return to the atmosphere? Denitrification: The process of reducing nitrates into nitrogen gas BACTERIA!

Nitrogen Cycle

The Nitrogen Cycle: N2 Nitrogen Fixation Denitrification Consumers (Bacteria) Denitrification (Anaerobic Bacteria) Consumers Nitrates (NO3-) Producers

Activity Let’s all be nitrogen!

The Water Cycle Water is a necessity for the survival of all living things. Used for photosynthesis, structure, reproduction, as part of many chemical reactions, etc.

The Water Cycle

Water Cycle Precipitation – rain and snow Evaporation – liquid to a gas Condensation – gas to a liquid Transpiration – pulled up plants and released through leaves

Cycling of Matter – TO KNOW: Matter cycles indefinitely on our planet. Atoms occur as part of many different structures as part of their natural cycle. Cycling of matter can be fast or very slow. Cycling of matter is critical to ensure the return of nutrients to living things. Human activities can alter these cycles. Examples: Climate Change, Deforestation, Fertilizer and Pesticide use, Altering natural flow of water, etc. The End!