Nitrosomonadaceae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nitrosomonadales |
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Betaproteobacteria
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Nitrosomonadales
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Nitrosomonadaceae |
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Nitrosomonadales are a group of tiny living things called bacteria. They are very important because they help change things in the soil and water. These bacteria are so small you can only see them with a microscope!
Contents
What are Nitrosomonadales?
Nitrosomonadales are a special kind of bacteria. They belong to a larger group called Proteobacteria. One important family within this group is called Nitrosomonadaceae. These bacteria play a big role in how nitrogen moves through nature.
How do they get food?
Most living things need to eat organic substances (like sugars or fats) to get energy. But Nitrosomonadales are different! They are called lithoautotrophic (pronounced lith-oh-aw-toh-TROF-ik). This big word means they can make their own food. They do this by changing simple chemicals around them.
They are like tiny chemical factories. They take ammonia (NH3), which is a chemical found in things like animal waste, and change it into nitrate (NO3−). This process is called oxidation. It's how they get the energy they need to live and grow.
Where do they live?
You can find Nitrosomonadales in many places. They live in soil, in fresh water, and even in the ocean. They are especially common in places where there is a lot of ammonia. This includes places like sewage treatment plants or rich farm soils.
Why are they important?
These bacteria are super important for our planet. They are a key part of the nitrogen cycle. The nitrogen cycle is how nitrogen moves between the air, soil, and living things. By changing ammonia into nitrate, Nitrosomonadales help make nitrogen available for plants to use. Without them, plants would not get enough nitrogen to grow, and that would affect all life on Earth!
Types of Nitrosomonadales
The group Nitrosomonadales includes several different families of bacteria. The most well-known family is Nitrosomonadaceae. Within this family, there are two main types, or genera, that scientists study:
- Nitrosomonas
- Nitrosospira
These different types of bacteria all play similar roles in the environment. They work together to keep the nitrogen cycle going.
See also
In Spanish: Nitrosomonadales para niños
