Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2), which plants cannot use, into a usable form like ammonia (NH3). This process, known as nitrogen fixation, is a vital part of the nitrogen cycle. Clostridium is an example of a free-living, anaerobic bacterium that performs nitrogen fixation.
Denitrifying Bacteria
Denitrifying bacteria perform the reverse process. They convert nitrates (NO3−), a form of nitrogen that is useful for plants, back into nitrogen gas (N2), which is then released into the atmosphere. This process is called denitrification. Pseudomonas is a genus of bacteria that is well-known for its role in denitrification, especially in anaerobic environments.