Let us make an in-depth study of the conversion of nitrate into ammonia by the plants. Nitrogen in nitrate (NO3-) is present in highly oxidised state while in ammonia in reduced form. Therefore, the conversion of nitrate to ammonia is a reductive process. Reduction of nitrate to ammonia takes place in many steps which are mediated by specific enzymes. At [...]
Biological Nitrogen Fixation: Conversion of molecular nitrogen (N2) of the atmosphere into inorganic nitrogenous compounds such as nitrates or ammonia is called as nitrogen fixation. When this nitrogen fixation occurs through the agency of some living organisms, the process is called as biological nitrogen fixation in which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia. An estimated 190 × 1012 gm per [...]
Let us make an in-depth study of the mechanism of biological nitrogen fixation. The biological nitrogen fixation is carried out by some bacteria, cyanobacteria and symbiotic bacteria. In symbiotic association, the bacterium provides fixed nitrogen (NH3) to the host and derives carbohydrates and other nutrients from the latter. Biological nitrogen fixation occurs in the presence of the enzyme nitrogenase which [...]