Denitrification ____

Question

Denitrification ____.  
A) converts ammonium to nitrates
B) reduces nitrates to nitrites
C) reduces ammonia to ammonium
D) converts atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia
E) converts nitrates to nitrogen gas

Accepted Answer

Denitrification is the process by which nitrogen compounds, such as nitrates, are converted into nitrogen gas by certain bacteria in anaerobic conditions. This process is important in the nitrogen cycle as it helps to return nitrogen gas back to the atmosphere. None of the other options describe denitrification.