3.1 Nutrition

• What is nitrogen fixation?

  Conversion of atmospheric N₂ into ammonia
• How does lightning contribute to nitrogen fixation?

  It provides energy for nitrogen and oxygen to react
• What is formed when nitrogen oxides dissolve in rainwater?

  Nitric acid
• What is the Haber Process used for?

  To produce ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen
• What are the conditions for the Haber Process?

  High pressure, high temperature, iron catalyst
• What type of reaction is the Haber Process?

  Exothermic reaction
• What is the chemical equation for the Haber Process?

  (N₂) + 3(H₂) <=> 2(NH₃)
• What role do Azotobacter and Rhizobium play in nitrogen fixation?

  They convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia
• What is the equation for nitrogen fixation by bacteria?

  N₂ + 8H⁺ + 8e⁻ → 2NH₃ + H₂
• What is nitrification?

  Oxidation of ammonia to nitrates
• What are the two steps of nitrification?

  Oxidation of ammonia to nitrites, then to nitrates
• What are the three types of carbohydrates?

  • Monosaccharides: simple sugars (e.g., glucose)
  • Disaccharides: two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose)
  • Polysaccharides: many monosaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose)
• What is the molecular formula for glucose?

  C₆H₁₂O₆
• What is the general formula for carbohydrates?

  Cx(H₂O)y
• What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

  Energy source and building blocks
• What is hydrolysis in relation to carbohydrates?

  • Water molecule breaks a bond
  • Breaks down larger molecules
  • Releases energy
  • Produces smaller molecules
• What happens when two monosaccharides react?

  A disaccharide is formed and water is released
• What is glycogen's role in animals?

  Storage form of glucose for energy
• What is starch used for in plants?

  Storage of energy
• What is the structure of starch?

  Large, complex, insoluble in water
• What is the chemical formula for starch?

  (C₆H₁₀O₅)n
• What is the main characteristic of glycogen?

  Highly branched structure
• What are saturated fatty acids characterized by?

  Only single bonds between carbon atoms
• Where are saturated fatty acids mainly found?

  Animal fats, meat, and dairy products
• What is the melting point of saturated fatty acids?

  Can be high
• What distinguishes unsaturated fatty acids from saturated ones?

  Contain one or more double bonds
• Where are unsaturated fatty acids mainly found?

  Vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds
• What is the melting point of unsaturated fatty acids?

  Generally lower
• What are triglycerides composed of?

  Glycerol and three fatty acids
• How many types of fatty acids are known?

  Many hundreds