Question
Biology Question on Nutrition
The function of leghaemoglobin in the root nodules of legumes is
A
inhibition of nitrogenase activity
B
oxygen removal
C
nodule differentiation
D
expression of nif gene
Answer
oxygen removal
Explanation
Solution
The root nodule of legume contains enzyme 1 nitrogenase and leg haemoglobin. Nitrogenase catalyses the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. It is highly sensitive to the molecular oxygen and requires anaerobic conditions. The nodules have adaptations that ensure that the enzyme is protected from oxygen. To protect these enzymes, the nodule contains an oxygen scavenger called leg haemoglobin.