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Describe the role of saprobionts in the nitrogen cycle - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
Describe the role of saprobionts in the nitrogen cycle. One environmental issue arising from the use of fertilisers is eutrophication. Eutrophication can cause wate... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the role of saprobionts in the nitrogen cycle - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the role of saprobionts in the nitrogen cycle.
Answer
Saprobionts play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by decomposing organic matter. They utilize enzymes to break down proteins, DNA, and RNA, releasing nitrogen in various forms. This process not only recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem but also produces ammonia and ammonium ions, which are vital for plant growth.
Step 2
Describe how you would obtain a quantitative measurement of their cloudiness.
Answer
To obtain a quantitative measurement of the cloudiness of the water samples, I would use a colorimeter to measure the absorbance of light passing through the samples. The steps include:
- Standardizing the method by using water samples that have been filtered to remove large debris, ensuring that the readings are consistent.
- Using the same wavelength of light for all water samples, typically in the visible spectrum.
- Shaking the samples before measurement to ensure uniformity.