The Question is from neet-botany mineral-nutrition , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

A plant is grown in a hydroponic solution deficient in molybdenum. Which of the following processes related to nitrogen metabolism would be MOST directly affected?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Role of molybdenum in nitrogen metabolism in plants.
 **Related Topics**: Nitrogen assimilation, enzyme cofactors, hydroponics.
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of the nitrogen cycle in plants, the role of enzymes in metabolic pathways.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  A plant is grown in a molybdenum-deficient hydroponic solution.
  We need to identify the nitrogen metabolism process most directly affected by molybdenum deficiency.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism that require molybdenum as a cofactor.
  Reasoning: Molybdenum is a crucial component of several enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism.  A deficiency would directly impact the activity of these enzymes.
  Formula/Rule:  None directly applicable; this is a conceptual understanding question.
 2. Determine which of the given options represents an enzyme requiring molybdenum.
  Working: Nitrate reductase is a key enzyme in the reduction of nitrate ($NO_3^-$) to nitrite ($NO_2^-$), a crucial step in nitrogen assimilation.  Molybdenum is a cofactor for nitrate reductase.  Nitrogenase, glutamine synthetase, and aminotransferases do not directly utilize molybdenum.
  Key Point:  Understanding the specific roles of each enzyme in nitrogen metabolism is crucial.
 3. Conclude which process is most directly affected.
  Result: Nitrate reductase activity is the process most directly affected by molybdenum deficiency.
  Verification: The absence of molybdenum would directly impair the function of nitrate reductase, leading to a disruption in nitrate assimilation.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Nitrogenase activity is involved in nitrogen fixation (converting atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia), a process that occurs in nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not directly dependent on molybdenum in plants.
B ✓: Nitrate reductase activity is directly dependent on molybdenum as a cofactor.  Molybdenum deficiency inhibits this enzyme's function, leading to impaired nitrate reduction.
 C :x: Glutamine synthetase is involved in ammonia assimilation, but it doesn't directly require molybdenum.
D :x: Aminotransferases catalyze the transfer of amino groups between amino acids, but they don't directly use molybdenum.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the roles of different enzymes in nitrogen metabolism:  Carefully review the functions of nitrogenase, nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and aminotransferases.
  2.Assuming all enzymes in nitrogen metabolism require molybdenum: Molybdenum is a cofactor for specific enzymes, not all of them.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that nitrate reductase is a molybdenum-containing enzyme.
  2.Focus on the roles of different enzymes in the nitrogen cycle to differentiate their functions.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Nitrogenase activity

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Nitrate reductase activity"

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Glutamine synthetase activity

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Aminotransferase activity

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