Question

Leghaemoglobin helps in:

• A. Transport of oxygen
• B. Protecting nitrogenase from oxygen
• C. Transport of carbon dioxide
• D. Protecting nitrogenase from carbon dioxide

Answer 1

The correct option is B Protecting nitrogenase from oxygen

Root nodules are small irregular outgrowth of the roots which are pinkish in colour due to the presence of a pigment called leghaemoglobin. It is related to blood pigment haemoglobin. The root nodules of leguminous plants contain symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria called Rhizobium and polyhedral bacteria called bacteroids. Leghaemoglobin functions as an oxygen scavenger and protects the nitrogen fixing enzyme -nitrogenase of these microorganisms.