Question

Nitrogenase requires $..........$ for its action.

• A. ${Mn}^{2+}$
• B. Super oxygen radicals
• C. Light
• D. High input of energy

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The enzyme nitrogenase is found in certain bacteria and blue-green algae, which can reduce N${}_2$ to NH${}_3$ (nitrogen fixation).
$N_2+8H^{+}+8e^{-}+16ATP\underset{}{\overset{Nitrogenase}{\to }}2{NH}_3+H_2+16ADP$
The equilibrium formation of ammonia from molecular hydrogen and nitrogen has an overall negative enthalpy of reaction, the activation energy is very high, so, the reaction requires high energy input.