Nitrifying bacteria are albe to

Options

A. convert atmospheric nitrogen into soluble forms
B. convert ammonia to nitrate
C. ammonia to nitrogen
D. nitrate to nitrogen

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Nitrifying Bacteria**: Nitrifying bacteria are specialized microorganisms that play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle. They are primarily responsible for converting ammonia into nitrate, which is a more soluble form of nitrogen that plants can readily absorb.

2. **Process of Nitrification**: The process carried out by nitrifying bacteria is known as nitrification. This process involves two main steps:
- **First Step**: Ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized to nitrite (NO₂⁻) by bacteria such as *Nitrosomonas*.
- **Second Step**: The nitrite is further oxidized to nitrate (NO₃⁻) by bacteria such as *Nitrobacter*.

3. **Importance of Nitrification**: Nitrification is essential for soil fertility as it transforms nitrogen from a gaseous state (atmospheric nitrogen) into a form that plants can utilize. This conversion is vital for plant growth and the overall health of ecosystems.

4. **Examples of Nitrifying Bacteria**: Some common examples of nitrifying bacteria include:
- *Nitrosomonas*: Converts ammonia to nitrite.
- *Nitrobacter*: Converts nitrite to nitrate.
- Other examples include *Nitrococcus* and *Nitrospira*.

5. **Conclusion**: In summary, nitrifying bacteria are able to convert ammonia into nitrate through the process of nitrification, making nitrogen available to plants in a soluble form.