Multiple Choice
How do animals obtain usable nitrogen for their biological processes?
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Nitrogen Fixation
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How do animals obtain usable nitrogen for their biological processes?
A
By directly fixing atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) through specialized enzymes
B
By converting ammonia ($NH_3$) in their cells into proteins
C
By absorbing nitrogen gas ($N_2$) directly from the air through their skin
D
By consuming plants or other organisms that contain nitrogen compounds
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that nitrogen is an essential element for biological processes, as it is a key component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Recognize that most animals cannot directly utilize atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) because they lack the specialized enzymes required to fix nitrogen into a usable form.
Learn that plants and certain microorganisms can convert atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) into nitrogen compounds like ammonia ($NH_3$) or nitrates ($NO_3^-$) through processes such as nitrogen fixation.
Understand that animals obtain usable nitrogen by consuming plants or other organisms that have already incorporated nitrogen compounds into their tissues.
Conclude that animals rely on the food chain to access nitrogen, as they cannot directly absorb or fix atmospheric nitrogen themselves.
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