If by radiation all nitrogenase enzymes are inactivated, then there wi...
Nitrogenase is an enzyme involved in biological nitrogen fixation. Enzyme nitrate reductase is involved in conversion of nitrate to nitrite. Conversion of ammonia to nitrate is carried out by Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter.
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If by radiation all nitrogenase enzymes are inactivated, then there wi...
The enzyme nitrogenase is required for the process of biological nitrogen fixation only.
Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen occurs through other route also.
Neither nitrification (conversion of ammonium to nitrate) nor conversion of nitrate to nitrite require nitrogenase.
If by radiation all nitrogenase enzymes are inactivated, then there wi...
Understanding Nitrogenase Enzymes
Nitrogenase enzymes are crucial for the biological fixation of nitrogen, a process that converts atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃), which can be utilized by plants.
Importance of Nitrogen Fixation
- Nitrogen fixation is vital for the growth of legumes and other plants.
- It enriches the soil with nitrogen, a key nutrient for plant development.
- Legumes, such as beans and peas, rely on symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium) in their root nodules.
Impact of Radiation on Nitrogenase
- If radiation inactivates all nitrogenase enzymes, the process of nitrogen fixation is disrupted.
- Without functional nitrogenase, Rhizobium cannot convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
- This leads to a deficiency of bioavailable nitrogen in the soil, severely affecting legume growth.
Why Option A is Correct
- Option A states that if nitrogenase enzymes are inactivated, there will be no "fixation of nitrogen in legumes."
- This is correct because legumes depend on nitrogenase for nitrogen fixation; without it, they cannot thrive.
- The disruption of nitrogen fixation affects not just legumes but also the entire ecosystem, as nitrogen is essential for all living organisms.
Other Options Explained
- Option B: "Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen" is also affected, but the question emphasizes legumes specifically.
- Option C: "Conversion from nitrate to nitrite" is not directly related to nitrogenase activity.
- Option D: "Conversion from ammonium to nitrate" involves different processes (nitrification), which nitrogenase does not influence.
In summary, the inactivation of nitrogenase specifically impacts the nitrogen fixation process in legumes, making option A the most accurate answer.
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