Nitrobacter
bacteria
Quick Summary
Nitrobacter are a genus of rod- or pear-shaped bacteria that play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle. These aerobic microorganisms are vital in converting nitrites, which are toxic to plants, into nitrates. This process, known as nitrification, makes nitrogen available in a usable form for plant growth. Nitrobacter obtain their energy by oxidizing nitrites to nitrates. They are commonly found in soil and water systems and are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agriculture.123
Summary created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
