Question

What is the role of molybdenum in plants?

Answer 1

Molybdenum (Mo): Molybdenum (Mo) is a trace element found in the soil and is required for the synthesis and activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase.

Role of molybdenum in plants:

1. Molybdenum is necessary for the process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Rhizobia bacteria in legume root modules.
2. The role of molybdenum is to transform nitrogen into amino acids and in legumes nitrogen fixation takes place, leading to greater yields.
3. Molybdate is the form of molybdenum that plants can uptake to get the element.
4. Molybdenum is necessary for the functions of nitrogenase and nitrate reductase these are two enzymes important for nitrogen-fixing and nitrogen reduction.
5. During symbiotic N fixation, Molybdenum acts as a co-factor for nitrogenase enzymes to catalyze the redox reaction to convert elemental N into ammonium (NH₄⁺) ions.