Enzyme involved in nitrogen assimilation [2001]a)nitrogenaseb)nitrate ...
Enzyme Involved in Nitrogen Assimilation
Nitrogen assimilation refers to the process by which nitrogen is incorporated into organic compounds in living organisms. It is an essential process for the growth and development of plants and other organisms. Several enzymes are involved in nitrogen assimilation, but the correct answer to this question is option 'A', nitrogenase.
Nitrogenase:Nitrogenase is an enzyme complex that plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3), a form that can be utilized by living organisms. Nitrogenase is mainly found in diazotrophic bacteria and some archaea. It is a highly complex enzyme system, consisting of two main components: the MoFe protein and the Fe protein.
Nitrate Reductase:Although nitrate reductase (option 'B') is involved in nitrogen assimilation, it is not the correct answer to this question. Nitrate reductase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of nitrate (NO3-) to nitrite (NO2-) in plants and some microorganisms. This is an important step in the conversion of inorganic nitrogen compounds into organic forms during assimilation.
Transferase:Transferase enzymes (option 'C') are a large group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of functional groups, such as amino groups, methyl groups, or phosphate groups, from one molecule to another. While some transferase enzymes may indirectly participate in nitrogen assimilation by transferring amino groups during amino acid metabolism, they are not directly involved in the process.
Transaminase:Transaminase enzymes (option 'D'), also known as aminotransferases, are a specific subtype of transferases that catalyze the transfer of an amino group between an amino acid and a keto acid. They play a crucial role in amino acid metabolism, but they are not directly involved in nitrogen assimilation.
In summary, nitrogenase is the correct answer as it is directly involved in the process of nitrogen assimilation by catalyzing the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. While other enzymes, such as nitrate reductase, transferase, and transaminase, also play important roles in nitrogen metabolism, they are not directly involved in nitrogen assimilation as the nitrogenase enzyme.