AQA A Level · Biology 7402

Nutrient cycles: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 4 written questions with worked solutions. All on Nutrient cycles.

9 questions21 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following describes the function of mycorrhizae in the nutrient cycles of plants?

Question 2

1 mark

In the phosphorus cycle, phosphate ions (\(PO_{4}^{3-}\)) are often poorly soluble and reside in soil in forms that are difficult for plants to access. Which statement correctly describes a mechanism that facilitates the uptake of these ions?

Question 3

1 mark

In the phosphorus cycle, which of the following explains why the rate of phosphate uptake by plants is significantly increased by the presence of mycorrhizae?

Question 4

1 mark

In the nitrogen cycle, specific soil bacteria carry out the conversion of ammonium ions into nitrites, and then nitrites into nitrates. Which of the following conditions is most likely to increase the rate of these reactions in agricultural soil?

Question 5

1 mark

A farmer applies artificial nitrate fertilizers to a crop. If these nitrates leach into a nearby slow-moving river, which of the following sequences correctly describes the initial stages of eutrophication?

Question 6

2 marks

Explain the specific role of saprobionts in the nitrogen cycle.

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Question 7

4 marks

In the nitrogen cycle, specific soil bacteria carry out the process of nitrification. Describe the two-stage chemical transformation that occurs during this process and state the specific environmental condition required for these bacteria to function effectively.

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Question 8

6 marks

In the nitrogen cycle, compare the environmental conditions required for nitrification with those required for denitrification, and explain how these conditions influence soil fertility.

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Question 9

4 marks

In the nitrogen cycle, different types of bacteria are responsible for the recycling of nitrogenous compounds.

(a) State the name of the process that converts ammonium ions into nitrates and name the general type of bacteria involved. (2 points)
(b) Explain why denitrification is more likely to occur in waterlogged soils and describe the effect of this process on the availability of nitrogen for plants. (2 points)

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