With respect to nitrogen utilization, relatively few bacteria can use NH₃ whereas many more can make use of N₂.

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Relatively few bacteria can use N₂, while many more can use NH₃. This is because N₂ is a very stable molecule, requiring a lot of energy to break its triple bond and convert it into a usable form of nitrogen, whereas NH₃ is already in a reduced, more readily available form. However, certain bacteria have the ability to fix nitrogen gas (N₂) into ammonium (NH₄⁺) through symbiotic relationships with plants or by using specialized enzymes, allowing for more widespread utilization of nitrogen in the environment.

With Respect to Nitrogen Utilization, Relatively Few Bacteria Can Use