Question

In root nodules of legumes, leg-haemoglobin is important because it

• A. transports oxygen to the root nodule
• B. acts as an oxygen scavenger
• C. provides energy to the nitrogen fixing bacterium
• D. acts as a catalyst in transamination

Answer 1

The correct option is B acts as an oxygen scavenger

The enzyme nitrogenase is highly sensitive to molecular oxygen; it requires anaerobic conditions. The nodules have adaptations that ensure that the enzyme is protected from oxygen. To protect nitrogenase, the nodule contains an oxygen scavenger called leg-haemoglobin.