For its action, nitrogenase requires
- high input of energy
- light
- Mn2+
- super oxygen radicals
Answer
(1) high input of energy
Solution
As per NCERT, the enzyme nitrogenase reduces molecular nitrogen to ammonia:
N2 + 8e- + 8H+ + 16ATP 2NH3 + H2 + 16ADP + 16Pi
⇒ The reaction needs a very high input of energy (16 ATP for every N2 fixed).
∵ Nitrogenase is sensitive to oxygen, it works under anaerobic conditions; it does not need light, Mn2+ or oxygen radicals.
Answer: (1)