What is the role of nitrogenase and leghemoglobin in root nodules of legumes?
1. Root nodules are found on the roots of plants, primarily legumes, that form a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
2. Within these nodules, nitrogen fixation is done by the bacteria, and the NH3 they produce is absorbed by the plant.
3. The root nodule of legumes has the enzyme leghaemoglobin and nitrogenase.
4. Nitrogenase acts as a catalyzer to convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia.
5. They are extremely sensitive to molecular oxygen and necessitate anaerobic conditions.
6. The nodules possess adaptations that make sure that the enzyme is shielded from oxygen.
7. To safeguard these enzymes, the nodules have oxygen scavengers known as leghaemoglobin, a pinkish pigment, found in the root nodules of leguminous plants.