The Question is from neet-botany biological-classification , and it was created by the author B VENKAT

Question

The process of nitrogen fixation in cyanobacteria occurs within specialized cells called:

B VENKAT · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Nitrogen fixation in cyanobacteria
 **Related Topics**: Cyanobacteria structure, heterocysts function, nitrogenase enzyme
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of prokaryotic cells and metabolic processes.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the specialized cells in cyanobacteria where nitrogen fixation takes place.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understand the process of nitrogen fixation: Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) into ammonia ($NH_3$), a usable form for organisms. This process requires the enzyme nitrogenase, which is highly sensitive to oxygen.
  Reasoning: Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms, meaning they produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.  To protect the nitrogenase enzyme, they have evolved specialized cells.
 2. Identify the specialized cells: Heterocysts are thick-walled, non-photosynthetic cells found in some filamentous cyanobacteria. They have a low oxygen environment, ideal for nitrogenase activity.
  Working: Akinetes are resting cells, hormogonia are motile filaments, and carboxysomes are polyhedral bodies involved in carbon fixation, not nitrogen fixation.
 3. Conclude the answer: Heterocysts are the specialized cells where nitrogen fixation occurs in cyanobacteria.
  Result: Heterocysts
  Verification:  The unique structure and function of heterocysts perfectly support the requirement of an oxygen-free environment for nitrogenase activity.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Akinetes are resting cells and not involved in nitrogen fixation.
B :x: Hormogonia are motile fragments of filaments and not specialized for nitrogen fixation.
C ✓: Heterocysts are specialized cells with a low-oxygen environment, perfect for nitrogenase-mediated nitrogen fixation.
D :x: Carboxysomes are involved in carbon fixation, not nitrogen fixation.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing heterocysts with other cell types in cyanobacteria: Understanding the distinct characteristics of each cell type (akinete, hormogonia, heterocyst) is crucial.
   How to avoid: Thoroughly study the morphology and function of each cell type in cyanobacteria.
  2. Linking nitrogen fixation to oxygen-rich environments: Nitrogenase is extremely sensitive to oxygen.  
   How to avoid: Remember that nitrogen fixation requires an anaerobic environment.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that heterocysts are specialized for nitrogen fixation due to their low-oxygen environment.
  2. Use mnemonics or diagrams to remember the different cell types in cyanobacteria and their functions.

B VENKAT · Answer

Akinetes

B VENKAT · Answer

Hormogonia

B VENKAT · Answer

The correct Option is "Heterocysts"

B VENKAT · Answer

Carboxysomes

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