Multiple Choice
What role can lightning play in the nitrogen cycle?
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Nitrogen Fixation
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For what essential biological purpose do plants and animals require nitrogen?
A
To produce glucose during photosynthesis
B
To facilitate the absorption of water through roots
C
To generate ATP directly from nitrogen gas
D
To synthesize proteins and nucleic acids
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of nitrogen in biological systems: Nitrogen is a key element required for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, which are essential macromolecules for life.
Recognize that proteins are composed of amino acids, which contain nitrogen in their amino groups (-NH₂). Without nitrogen, amino acids cannot be formed, and thus proteins cannot be synthesized.
Learn that nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, also require nitrogen. Nitrogen is a component of the nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil) that make up the structure of nucleic acids.
Clarify why the other options are incorrect: Nitrogen is not directly involved in producing glucose during photosynthesis, facilitating water absorption, or generating ATP directly from nitrogen gas. These processes involve other molecules and mechanisms.
Conclude that plants and animals require nitrogen primarily to synthesize proteins and nucleic acids, which are vital for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms.
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