The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author K SURESH KUMAR

Question

The enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation is:

K SURESH KUMAR · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Nitrogen fixation
 **Related Topics**: Enzymology, Biochemistry, Nitrogen cycle
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of enzyme function and the nitrogen cycle.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
The question asks for the enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understanding Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) into ammonia ($NH_3$), a form usable by plants.  This is a crucial step in the nitrogen cycle.
  Reasoning:  Several enzymes are involved in nitrogen metabolism, but only one directly catalyzes the conversion of $N_2$ to $NH_3$.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, this is a knowledge-based question.
 2. Identifying the Enzyme: Nitrogenase is the enzyme complex responsible for catalyzing this reaction. It requires a significant amount of energy (ATP) and a reducing agent (ferredoxin or flavodoxin).
  Working:  The other options are involved in different steps of nitrogen metabolism: Nitrate reductase reduces nitrate to nitrite, nitrite reductase reduces nitrite to ammonia, and ammonia synthase isn't a standard term; it's more accurate to say that nitrogenase produces ammonia.
  Key Point: Nitrogenase is unique in its ability to break the strong triple bond in $N_2$ molecules.
 3. Final Answer: Nitrogenase is the correct answer.
  Result: The enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation is Nitrogenase.
  Verification:  This is a fact-based question; verification comes from established biochemical knowledge.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Nitrate reductase: Reduces nitrate ($NO_3^-$) to nitrite ($NO_2^-$).
B :x: Nitrite reductase: Reduces nitrite ($NO_2^-$) to ammonia ($NH_3$).
C :x: Ammonia synthase: Not a standard term; the enzyme is Nitrogenase.
D ✓: Nitrogenase: Catalyzes the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) to ammonia ($NH_3$).
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing nitrogen fixation with other steps in nitrogen metabolism:  Understanding the specific role of each enzyme in the nitrogen cycle is crucial.
  2.Incorrectly identifying other enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism:
  Remembering the specific substrates and products of each enzyme is key to avoiding errors.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Memorize the key enzyme for nitrogen fixation: Nitrogenase.
  2.Associate nitrogenase with the reduction of $N_2$ to $NH_3$.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Nitrate reductase

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Nitrite reductase

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Ammonia synthase

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The correct Option is "Nitrogenase"

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