Question

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

• A. It transport oxygen to the root nodule
• B. It act as an oxygen scavenger
• C. It provide energy to the nitrogen fixing bacterium
• D. It acts as a catalyst in trans-amination

Answer 1

The correct option is B It act as an oxygen scavenger

The root nodule bacterium is microaerobic in the sense that it requires oxygen but high concentration of oxygen is detrimental to nitrogen fixing enzyme system. Here leghaemoglobin proves beneficial, it absorbs or binds oxygen so that there is no free oxygen left in the nodule and then carries micro-amounts of oxygen to the nodule bacteroids.