Question

How does Anabaena fix nitrogen?

Answer 1

Nitrogen fixation by Anabaena:

1. Anabaena belongs to the genus of filamentous cyanobacteria that exist as plankton. They are known for their nitrogen-fixing abilities.
2. Heterocysts are specific for nitrogen fixation.
3. Nitrogenase transforms dinitrogen into ammonium at the expense of ATP and reductant.
4. Carbohydrate is synthesized in vegetative cells and moves into heterocysts. In return, nitrogen fixed moves into the vegetative cells.
5. The fern Azolla forms a symbiotic relationship with the cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae.
6. It can readily colonize areas of freshwater, and grow at great speed doubling its biomass in as little as 1.9 days.