Ammonifying bacteria in the soil-

Options

A. Convert ammonium to nitrate
B. fix nitrogen
C. Convert nitrogen in organic molecules into ammonium
D. Convert Nitrogen to Ammonia

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Ammonifying Bacteria**: Ammonifying bacteria are microorganisms in the soil that play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle. They are responsible for the process of ammonification.

2. **Defining Ammonification**: Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen compounds, such as proteins from dead organisms, are converted into ammonia (NH3) by these bacteria.

3. **Source of Organic Nitrogen**: The organic nitrogen compounds that ammonifying bacteria act upon are primarily derived from dead plant and animal matter. This includes proteins and other nitrogen-containing organic molecules.

4. **Process of Conversion**: During ammonification, the ammonifying bacteria decompose these organic compounds, breaking them down into simpler forms, ultimately resulting in the release of ammonia into the soil.

5. **Importance of Ammonia in Soil**: The ammonia produced is essential for soil fertility, as plants can utilize ammonia and convert it into other forms of nitrogen, such as nitrates, which are vital for their growth.

6. **Evaluating the Options**:
- Option 1: Convert ammonium to nitrate - **Incorrect** (this is done by nitrifying bacteria).
- Option 2: Fix nitrogen - **Incorrect** (this is done by nitrogen-fixing bacteria).
- Option 3: Convert nitrogen in organic molecules into ammonium - **Correct** (this describes the role of ammonifying bacteria).
- Option 4: Convert nitrogen to ammonia - **Incorrect** (this is a vague description and does not accurately reflect the process).

7. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question about the role of ammonifying bacteria in the soil is option 3: they convert nitrogen in organic molecules into ammonium.

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