Question

If by radiation all nitrogenase enzymes are inactivated, then there will be no

• A. fixation of atmospheric nitrogen
• B. conversion from nitrate to nitrite in legumes
• C. conversion from ammonium to nitrate in soil
• D. fixation of nitrogen in legumes

Answer 1

The correct option is A

fixation of atmospheric nitrogen

Nitrogenases are enzymes that are produced by certain bacteria. These enzymes are responsible for the reduction of nitrogen $\left(N_2\right)$ to ammonia $\left(N{H}_3\right)$. Nitrogenases are the only family of enzymes known to catalyze this reaction, which is a key step in the process of nitrogen fixation. Therefore, if all nitrogenases are deactivated by radiation, there will be no nitrogen fixation and in turn, it will affect all the life forms on the earth too.