Question

In nitrogen cycle, Ammonification is the process of generating ammonia from-

• A. Amino acids
• B. Nitrates
• C. Nitrites
• D. Nitrogen

Hint:

Link the terms: {Ammoni}fication produces {ammoni}a from the {amino} groups in organic matter like {amino} acids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the source material that is converted into ammonia during the process of ammonification in the nitrogen cycle.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Ammonification is the process of decomposition. When plants and animals die, or when animals excrete waste, the organic matter contains complex nitrogen-containing compounds such as proteins, nucleic acids, and urea.
Microbial decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down these complex organic molecules. Proteins are broken down into their constituent building blocks, which are amino acids.
These decomposers then metabolize the amino acids, removing the amino group (-NH\textsubscript{2}) and converting it into ammonia (\(NH_3\)) or ammonium ions (\(NH_4^+\)), releasing it back into the soil.
The other options are incorrect:
Nitrates and Nitrites are converted to ammonia via a different process (dissimilatory nitrate reduction), not ammonification.
Nitrogen gas (\(N_2\)) is converted to ammonia via nitrogen fixation.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Ammonification is the generation of ammonia from the breakdown of organic nitrogen, primarily from amino acids derived from proteins.