Question

Why do nitrogen fixation nodules contain large amounts of leghaemoglobin?

Answer 1

Nitrogen fixation:

1. Leghaemoglobin is found in the nodules of leguminous plants.
2. Leghemoglobin is oxygen-carrying hemoglobin.
3. They act as a buffer to the concentration of free oxygen in the infected plant cell’s cytoplasm.
4. It ensures the proper functioning of the root nodules.
5. The main functions of leghemoglobin are (1) to facilitate oxygen supply to the nitrogen-fixing bacteria and (2) to protect the enzyme, nitrogenase from being inactivated by oxygen.
6. Hence, leghaemoglobin exhibits good coordination between the bacteria and its host.