# Explain how nitrogen found in the protein of a dead plant becomes available to a living plant growing in the same soil.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 6.2 The principle of material cycling · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Decomposers (bacteria/fungi) break down the dead plant material / protein
2. Nitrogen-containing compounds / proteins are broken down into simpler nitrogen compounds / ammonium / nitrates in the soil
3. The living plant absorbs the nitrogen compounds / nitrates / minerals through its roots
4. The plant uses these nitrogen compounds to make new protein / build new cells / grow

## Key terms

- [protein](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/protein)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-nitrogen-found-in-the-f085f106) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.