Anaerobic bacteria which help in nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation is -a)...
Clostridium as Anaerobic Bacteria for Nonsymbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
Clostridium is a genus of anaerobic bacteria that are known to play a crucial role in nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation. These bacteria are capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3) through the process of nitrogen fixation.
Importance of Nonsymbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
Nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation is essential for the cycling of nitrogen in the environment as it provides a source of fixed nitrogen that can be utilized by plants and other organisms. This process helps in maintaining the fertility of the soil and promoting plant growth.
Mechanism of Nitrogen Fixation by Clostridium
Clostridium bacteria possess the enzyme nitrogenase, which catalyzes the conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia. This process requires a considerable amount of energy and reducing power, which is provided by the metabolism of the bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
Role of Clostridium in Nitrogen Cycle
Clostridium bacteria contribute to the nitrogen cycle by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be taken up by plants. This fixed nitrogen is then utilized by plants for growth and development. Additionally, the ammonia produced by nitrogen fixation can also be converted into other nitrogenous compounds by other microbes in the soil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Clostridium bacteria are important players in nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation, contributing to the availability of fixed nitrogen in the environment. By understanding the role of these anaerobic bacteria in the nitrogen cycle, we can better appreciate the importance of nitrogen fixation in sustaining life on Earth.
Anaerobic bacteria which help in nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation is -a)...
The correct answer is Clostridium.
Key Points
- Anaerobic bacteria which help in nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixation is Clostridium pasteurianum.
- The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates so that it can be utilized by plants is termed nitrogen fixation.
- The ability of nitrogen fixation is possessed only by certain prokaryotes containing an enzyme complex called dinitrogenase that catalyzes the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. eg: Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Clostridium, Beijerinckia, etc.
- There are two types of biotic or biological nitrogen fixation-
- non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation
- symbiotic nitrogen fixation
- Non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation
- It is the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by the bacteria that are free-living in the soil.
- One of the non-symbiotic anaerobic bacteria that fixes nitrogen is Clostridium pasteurianum.
- Azotobacter chroococcum is another aerobic, free-living bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen.
- Azotobacter and Beijerinckia are the two major bacterial species engaged in nitrogen fixation in tropical climate regions, which supply nutrients for the growth of numerous crops.
- Symbiotic nitrogen fixation
- It is part of a mutualistic relationship in which plants provide a niche and fixed carbon to bacteria in exchange for fixed nitrogen.
Additional Information
- Clostridium pasteurianum
- It is a producer of carboxylic acids.
- It is a mesophile.
- It was the first free-living (non-symbiotic) microorganism discovered that could fix free nitrogen from the air.
- Azotobacter
- It is a non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- These are gram-negative, aerobic, free-living that play an important role in the nitrogen cycle
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