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Nitrogen fixation and nitrogen assimilation are both crucial steps in the nitrogen cycle, but they differ in their processes and products:
Nitrogen Fixation:
Process: Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3) by certain microorganisms (nitrogen-fixing bacteria).
Location: Occurs in specialized enzymes, like nitrogenase, found in these bacteria.
Product: Ammonia (NH3)
Nitrogen Assimilation:
Process: Incorporation of inorganic nitrogen (ammonia, nitrate) into organic molecules, like amino acids, by organisms.
Location: Occurs in various cellular processes, including the synthesis of amino acids.
Product: Organic nitrogen compounds (amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids)