Question

Leghaemoglobin helps in:

• A. Nitrogen fixation
• B. Protecting nitrogenase
• C. Destroys bacteria
• D. Transport of food in plants

Answer 1

The correct option is B Protecting nitrogenase

The root nodules of leguminous plants contain a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria Rhizobium. In such leguminous plants, the presence of oxygen in the root nodules would reduce the activity of the oxygen-sensitive nitrogenase. In these situations, the roots of such plants produce a protein known as leghemoglobin. Leghaemoglobin is an oxygen scavenger and protects the nitrogen fixing enzyme nitrogenase.