What is required for nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium?
A
CO2
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B
O2
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C
Heterocyst
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D
Potassium
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Solution
The correct option is AO2
Nitrogen fixing requires anaerobic conditions. Oxygen irreversibly inactivates the nitrogenase enzymes involved in nitrogen fixation and hence, nitrogen must be fixed under anaerobic conditions. Rhizobium functions under anaerobic conditions or can create an internal anaerobic environment in the presence of oxygen. Nodules contain an oxygen-binding heme protein called leghemoglobin. Leghemoglobin is present in the cytoplasm of infected nodule cells at high concentrations and it has a high affinity for oxygen. Thus, the correct answer is option (B).