The Question is from neet-botany mineral-nutrition essential-elements, and it was created by the author D VINOD

Question

Molybdenum deficiency primarily affects which metabolic process in plants?

D VINOD · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Plant nutrition and enzyme function
 **Related Topics**: Nitrogen metabolism, enzyme cofactors, plant biochemistry
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of plant metabolic processes and the role of micronutrients.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the primary metabolic process affected by molybdenum deficiency in plants.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the role of molybdenum in plants.
  Reasoning: Molybdenum is a micronutrient essential for plant growth. It acts as a cofactor for certain enzymes.
 2. Determine which metabolic process relies heavily on these molybdenum-dependent enzymes.
  Working: The most crucial role of molybdenum in plants is as a component of the enzyme nitrogenase.  Nitrogenase is responsible for converting atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) into ammonia ($NH_3$) in a process called nitrogen fixation. This ammonia is then used by the plant to synthesize amino acids and other nitrogen-containing compounds.
  Key Point: While molybdenum is involved in other metabolic processes, its role in nitrogen fixation is the most significant and directly impacted by its deficiency.
 3. Conclude which option best describes the primary metabolic process affected.
  Result: Nitrogen fixation is the primary metabolic process affected by molybdenum deficiency.
  Verification:  Molybdenum deficiency leads to a decrease in nitrogenase activity, resulting in reduced nitrogen fixation and impaired plant growth. This aligns with the observed symptoms of molybdenum deficiency in plants.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Photosynthesis is not directly affected by molybdenum deficiency. While nitrogen deficiency (a consequence of molybdenum deficiency) can indirectly affect photosynthesis, it's not the primary effect.
B :x: Respiration is not directly impacted by molybdenum deficiency. 
C ✓: Nitrogen fixation is directly affected because molybdenum is a crucial component of nitrogenase, the enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation.
D :x: Transpiration, the process of water movement through a plant, is not directly linked to molybdenum.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the effects of nitrogen deficiency with molybdenum deficiency: Nitrogen deficiency shows similar symptoms to molybdenum deficiency because molybdenum is essential for nitrogen fixation.  However, the underlying cause is different.
  How to avoid: Focus on the direct role of molybdenum as a cofactor for nitrogenase.
  2.Overlooking the importance of molybdenum in nitrogenase:  Understanding the specific role of molybdenum in this enzyme is key to answering the question.
  How to avoid: Memorize the key role of molybdenum in nitrogen fixation.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that molybdenum is a crucial component of nitrogenase.
  2.Associate molybdenum deficiency with impaired nitrogen fixation and subsequent nitrogen deficiency symptoms in plants.

D VINOD · Answer

Photosynthesis

D VINOD · Answer

Respiration

D VINOD · Answer

The correct Option is "Nitrogen fixation"

D VINOD · Answer

Transpiration

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