Which one is prerequisite for nitrogen fixation?a)Oxygen deficiencyb)Nitrate deficiencyc)Nitrite deficiencyd)Ammonia deficiencyCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

I think it should be option D..... because 1 st stable product in n2 fixation  is ammonia..so prerequisite would be ammonia deficiency....

Answer

Nitrogen fixation requires anoxic condition so option 1 is more appropriate to select

Answer

Prerequisite for Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrate deficiency

Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) or other nitrogen compounds that can be utilized by plants. This process is essential for nitrogen cycling in ecosystems and is primarily carried out by certain bacteria and archaea called nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

To understand why nitrate deficiency is a prerequisite for nitrogen fixation, let's take a closer look at the nitrogen cycle and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

The Nitrogen Cycle:
The nitrogen cycle is a complex biogeochemical cycle that involves the movement and transformation of nitrogen in various forms in the environment. It includes several processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification.

1. Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen fixation is the primary process that converts atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a usable form for plants and other organisms. It is carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter, which can capture atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into ammonia (NH3) through the enzyme nitrogenase.

2. Nitrification: Ammonia produced through nitrogen fixation or other sources is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and nitrates (NO3-) by nitrifying bacteria. This process is known as nitrification.

3. Nitrate Assimilation: Plants and other organisms can take up nitrates from the soil and incorporate them into organic compounds, such as amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

4. Denitrification: Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen, completing the nitrogen cycle.

The Role of Nitrate in Nitrogen Fixation:
Nitrate is an oxidized form of nitrogen that can be readily assimilated by plants and other organisms. However, when there is an abundant supply of nitrate in the soil, plants do not have an immediate need for nitrogen fixation. This is because nitrate is already in a usable form, and plants can directly take it up from the soil.

On the other hand, when nitrate levels are low or deficient, plants rely on nitrogen fixation to meet their nitrogen requirements. In this case, they form symbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, which colonize their roots and form specialized structures called nodules. Inside these nodules, the bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which is then used by the plant for various metabolic processes.

Therefore, nitrate deficiency acts as a signal for plants to engage in nitrogen fixation and establish symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Nitrogen fixation helps replenish the nitrogen supply in the soil and ensures the availability of this essential nutrient for plant growth and development.

In conclusion, nitrate deficiency is a prerequisite for nitrogen fixation because it triggers the need for plants to form symbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This allows them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, ammonia, and ensure an adequate supply of nitrogen for their growth and metabolic processes.

Top Courses for NEETView all

Biology Class 11

Daily Test for NEET Preparation

NEET Mock Test Series 2025

Topic-wise MCQ Tests for NEET

DPP: Daily Practice Problems for NEET

Top Courses for NEET

Top Courses for NEET

Related Content

About NEET

NEET Preparation Material

How to Prepare for NEET Exam?

NCERT Based Study Material

NEET Mock Tests

Other Popular Exams

Company