Question

Given below are two statements:

Statement (I): The process in which the ammonia is converted into nitrites and then further into nitrates is called denitrification.

Statement (II): Nitrate is usually the predominant form of available nitrogen that is absorbed.

In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Remember the correct name for ammonia to nitrate conversion, and which nitrogen form plants absorb most.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The two statements can be checked by naming the actual process involved. Oxidation of ammonia to nitrite followed by oxidation of nitrite to nitrate is the textbook definition of nitrification, carried out by Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, so calling it denitrification in Statement (I) is a factual mix up and the statement fails. Because nitrate does not bind strongly to negatively charged soil colloids, it stays dissolved in the soil solution and is the form of nitrogen most available for root uptake, so Statement (II) holds. \[\boxed{\text{Statement (I) incorrect, Statement (II) correct}}\]