Grade 11 Exam  >  Grade 11 Videos  >  Biology for Grade 11  >  Nitrogen to Ammonia Conversion & Nitrogenase

Nitrogen to Ammonia Conversion & Nitrogenase Video Lecture | Biology for Grade 11

223 videos|325 docs|294 tests

Top Courses for Grade 11

FAQs on Nitrogen to Ammonia Conversion & Nitrogenase Video Lecture - Biology for Grade 11

1. What is the process of nitrogen to ammonia conversion?
Ans. Nitrogen to ammonia conversion is the biological process that involves the transformation of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) gas into ammonia (NH3) through a series of reactions. This process is carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as those found in the root nodules of legume plants. These bacteria utilize an enzyme called nitrogenase to convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, which can then be utilized by plants as a nutrient source.
2. How does nitrogenase facilitate the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia?
Ans. Nitrogenase is a complex enzyme that plays a crucial role in the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia. It consists of two main protein components, known as the MoFe protein and the Fe protein. The MoFe protein contains iron and molybdenum, which are essential for its catalytic activity. The Fe protein acts as an electron carrier and transfers electrons from a reducing agent to the MoFe protein. This electron transfer allows nitrogenase to break the strong triple bond between nitrogen molecules and convert them into ammonia.
3. What is the significance of nitrogen to ammonia conversion in agriculture?
Ans. Nitrogen to ammonia conversion is of great importance in agriculture as it provides a sustainable source of nitrogen for plant growth. Ammonia, derived from nitrogen fixation, is a critical component of fertilizers and helps to enhance crop productivity. By converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, nitrogen-fixing bacteria contribute to the fertility of agricultural soils and reduce the reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which can have detrimental environmental effects.
4. Are there any factors that influence the efficiency of nitrogen to ammonia conversion?
Ans. Yes, several factors can influence the efficiency of nitrogen to ammonia conversion. One important factor is the availability of energy and reducing agents, such as ATP and electrons, which are required for the enzymatic activity of nitrogenase. Additionally, the presence of oxygen can inhibit nitrogen fixation as nitrogenase is highly sensitive to its presence. Some nitrogen-fixing bacteria have evolved mechanisms to protect nitrogenase from oxygen, such as forming specialized structures called heterocysts or living in oxygen-depleted environments.
5. Can nitrogen to ammonia conversion occur outside of biological systems?
Ans. While nitrogen to ammonia conversion is primarily carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria in biological systems, it can also be achieved through industrial processes. The Haber-Bosch process is a commonly used method to produce ammonia on a large scale for agricultural and industrial purposes. This process involves the reaction of nitrogen gas with hydrogen gas under high pressure and temperature, using catalysts such as iron or ruthenium. However, the Haber-Bosch process requires high energy inputs and is associated with environmental concerns, making biological nitrogen fixation a more sustainable alternative in many contexts.
223 videos|325 docs|294 tests
Explore Courses for Grade 11 exam
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev
Related Searches

Nitrogen to Ammonia Conversion & Nitrogenase Video Lecture | Biology for Grade 11

,

Free

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

Important questions

,

Nitrogen to Ammonia Conversion & Nitrogenase Video Lecture | Biology for Grade 11

,

practice quizzes

,

Viva Questions

,

past year papers

,

Exam

,

ppt

,

MCQs

,

video lectures

,

Extra Questions

,

study material

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Sample Paper

,

Nitrogen to Ammonia Conversion & Nitrogenase Video Lecture | Biology for Grade 11

,

mock tests for examination

,

Summary

,

Semester Notes

,

pdf

,

Objective type Questions

;