{"id":13359,"date":"2026-05-12T18:16:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T18:16:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/?p=13359"},"modified":"2026-05-12T18:16:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T18:16:32","slug":"nitrogen-fixation-nitrogenase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/gate\/nitrogen-fixation-nitrogenase\/","title":{"rendered":"Nitrogen fixation (Nitrogenase) For GATE: A Comprehensive Guide 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Nitrogen fixation for GATE is the process by which molecular dinitrogen is converted into ammonia, catalyzed by nitrogenases, and is crucial for plant growth and agriculture. Understanding this concept is essential for competitive exams like GATE.<\/p>\n<h2>Syllabus and Key Textbooks<\/h2>\n<p>This topic falls under Unit 5: Plant Physiology, specifically Section 5.3, in the official CSIR NET \/ NTA syllabus.<\/p>\n<p>Students can find relevant information in standard textbooks. <strong>Biochemistry <\/strong>by Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, and Lubert Stryer covers <em>nitrogenase <\/em>in Chapter 15. This chapter provides an in-depth look at <em>nitrogen <\/em>and the role of <em>nitrogenase <\/em>in this process.<\/p>\n<p>Another recommended textbook is <strong>Physical Chemistry <\/strong>by P.W. Atkins and J. de Paula. Section 12.1 of this book may provide relevant background information on the chemical aspects of <em>nitrogen fixation<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Key textbooks for this topic:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Biochemistry <\/strong>by Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, and Lubert Stryer<\/li>\n<li><strong>Physical Chemistry <\/strong>by P. W. Atkins and J. de Paula<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Understanding Nitrogen fixation (Nitrogenase) For GATE: A Core Concept<\/h2>\n<p>Nitrogen fixation is a chemical process that converts molecular dinitrogen (N<sub>2<\/sub>) into ammonia (NH<sub>3<\/sub>). This process is crucial for plant growth and agriculture, as ammonia is a key nutrient for plants. <strong>Nitrogenases <\/strong>are enzyme complexes that catalyze this process, which occurs in certain microorganisms such as bacteria and archaea.<\/p>\n<p>The nitrogenase enzyme complex consists of two main components: the <em>dinitrogen reductase <\/em>and the <em>dinitrogenase<\/em>. The dinitrogen reductase component transfers electrons to the dinitrogenase component, which then reduces the N<sub>2 <\/sub>molecule to form ammonia. This process requires a significant amount of energy, typically in the form of ATP.<\/p>\n<p>Nitrogen fixation is essential for life on Earth, as it provides a source of ammonia for plant growth. Without fixation, plants would be unable to obtain the nitrogen they need to synthesize amino acids and other biomolecules.\u00a0 <code>Nitrogen fixation (Nitrogenase)<\/code>\u00a0 is an important topic, as it relates to the biogeochemical cycles and the environment. Key aspects of nitrogen fixation are summarized in the table below:<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Aspect<\/th>\n<th>Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nitrogenase<\/td>\n<td>Enzyme complex that catalyzes nitrogen fixation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nitrogen source<\/td>\n<td>Molecular dinitrogen (N<sub>2<\/sub>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Product<\/td>\n<td>Ammonia (NH<sub>3<\/sub>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Fixation of Nitrogen occurs in various organisms, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Symbiotic bacteria (e.g., <em>Rhizobium<\/em>) in legume root nodules<\/li>\n<li>Free-living bacteria (e.g., <em>Azotobacter<\/em>) in soil<\/li>\n<li>Archaea (e.g., <em>methanogens<\/em>) in various environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Nitrogenase Enzymes Work: A Core Concept<\/h2>\n<p>Nitrogenases are complex enzymes that <strong>nitrogen fixation<\/strong>, the process by which <em>dinitrogen (N<sub>2<\/sub>) <\/em>is converted into a usable form of nitrogen, such as <em>ammonia (NH<sub>3<\/sub>)<\/em>. These enzymes contain iron and often a second metal, such as <strong>molybdenum<\/strong>, which are essential for their catalytic activity.<\/p>\n<p>The enzyme complex uses these metals to catalyze the conversion of dinitrogen\u00a0<em>ammonia<\/em>, a process that is essential for life on Earth. This reaction is highly energy-intensive and requires a significant amount of <em>ATP <\/em>(adenosine triphosphate) to drive the conversion. The <strong>nitrogenase <\/strong>enzyme is responsible for facilitating this reaction, allowing organisms to access the nitrogen they need to build <em>amino acids<\/em>, <em>proteins<\/em>, and other essential biomolecules.<\/p>\n<p>The process of <strong>fixation (Nitrogenase) <\/strong>involves a series of complex steps, including the reduction of <em>dinitrogen <\/em>to form <em>ammonia<\/em>. This process is critical for many organisms, including plants, bacteria, and archaea, which rely on <strong>nitrogenase <\/strong>to convert <em>dinitrogen <\/em>into a usable form.<\/p>\n<h2>Nitrogen fixation (Nitrogenase) For GATE<\/h2>\n<p>Biological nitrogen fixation is a critical process by which certain bacteria and archaea convert atmospheric nitrogen (N<sub>2<\/sub>) into a form that can be utilized by plants. This process occurs through the action of <strong>nitrogenases<\/strong>, a group of enzymes that catalyze the reduction of N<sub>2 <\/sub>to ammonia (NH<sub>3<\/sub>). Nitrogenases are highly sensitive to oxygen, which necessitates specific conditions for their activity.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>nitrogenase <\/strong>enzyme consists of two main components: the Fe protein and the MoFe protein. The Fe protein, also known as dinitrogen reductase, is responsible for the transfer of electrons to the MoFe protein, where the actual reduction of N<sub>2 <\/sub>to NH<sub>3 <\/sub>takes place. This process requires a significant amount of energy, typically in the form of ATP.<\/p>\n<p>Biologically fixation is <em>essential for plant growth and agriculture <\/em>as it provides a natural source of nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant development. Many legume plants, for example, form symbiotic relationships with <strong>rhizobia<\/strong>, a type of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, in their root nodules. This association enables the plants to thrive in nitrogen-poor soils.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding biological nitrogen fixation, including the role of <strong>nitrogenases<\/strong>, is a <em>key concept for GATE exams <\/em>in the field of biotechnology and environmental science. Students should grasp the biochemical mechanisms, ecological significance, and industrial applications of this process to excel in their examinations.<\/p>\n<h2>Nitrogen Fixation in Soil: An Application of Nitrogenase Enzymes<\/h2>\n<p>Fixation of nitrogen in soil occurs through the action of <strong>nitrogenases <\/strong>in bacteria and archaea. These microorganisms convert atmospheric nitrogen (N<sub>2<\/sub>) into a form that can be used by plants, such as ammonia (NH<sub>3<\/sub>) or nitrate (NO<sub>3<\/sub><sup>&#8211;<\/sup>). This process is essential for plant growth and agriculture, as plants are unable to use atmospheric nitrogen directly.<\/p>\n<p>The fixation process involves the enzyme <em>nitrogenase<\/em>, which is sensitive to oxygen. Therefore,fixing bacteria often live in environments with low oxygen levels, such as soil, aquatic sediments, or in symbiotic relationships with plants. <strong>Rhizobia<\/strong>, for example, form nodules on legume roots, where they fix nitrogen in a low-oxygen environment.<\/p>\n<p>This process has significant implications for agriculture and environmental science. Soil nitrogen fixation is a key concept for understanding how to maintain soil fertility and promote plant growth. By harnessing the power of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which can pollute waterways and harm ecosystems.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Soil N2 fixation supports sustainable agriculture practices.<\/li>\n<li>It helps maintain soil fertility and promote plant growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Overall, N2 fixation in soil plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health and supporting food production.<\/p>\n<h2>Exam Strategy for Nitrogen fixation (Nitrogenase) For GATE<\/h2>\n<p>Nitrogen fixation is a critical process in the nitrogen cycle, where nitrogenases play a pivotal role. <strong>Nitrogenases <\/strong>are enzymes that convert atmospheric nitrogen (N<sub>2<\/sub>) into a usable form for living organisms. Understanding the core concepts of N2 fixation and nitrogenases is essential for GATE exam preparation.<\/p>\n<p>The key to mastering this topic lies in focusing on the structure and function of nitrogenases, the different types of nitrogenases, and the organisms that perform N2 fixation. <em>N if <\/em>genes and their role in nitrogen fixation are also crucial. A thorough grasp of these concepts will help in tackling problems and past year questions.<\/p>\n<p>Practice problems and past year questions are essential for GATE exams. This helps in assessing the depth of knowledge and application of concepts. <strong>VedPrep <\/strong>study materials can help GATE aspirants prepare effectively, with expert guidance and comprehensive coverage of topics.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Focus on <code>nitrogenase structure<\/code> and <code>function<\/code><\/li>\n<li>Understand <em>nif genes <\/em>and <em>nitrogen fixation <\/em>process<\/li>\n<li>Practice <strong>problems <\/strong>and <strong>past year questions<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/\">VedPrep<\/a> provides study materials and expert guidance to help students prepare for GATE exams. Effective preparation and practice with relevant resources can lead to success in GATE and other competitive exams like CSIR NET and IIT JAM. Students can rely on VedPrep for comprehensive coverage of challenging topics.<\/p>\n<h2>Worked Example: Biological Nitrogen Fixation for GATE<\/h2>\n<p>Biological nitrogen fixation is a critical process for plant growth and agriculture. It involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N<sub>2<\/sub>) into a usable form, such as ammonia (NH<sub>3<\/sub>). This process is facilitated by the enzyme <strong>nitrogenase<\/strong>, which is present in certain microorganisms like <em>Rhizobium <\/em>and <em>Azotobacter<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>A question that may be encountered in GATE exams is: Calculate the number of ATP molecules required for the fixation of one molecule of N<sub>2 <\/sub>into NH<sub>3 <\/sub>by nitrogenase. The reaction is: N<sub>2<\/sub>+ 8e<sup>&#8211;<\/sup>+ 8H<sup>+<\/sup>+ 16 ATP \u2192 2NH<sub>3<\/sub>+ H<sub>2<\/sub>+ 16ADP + 16Pi.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>ATP molecules required = 16<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The process of <em>N2 fixation (Nitrogenase) For GATE<\/em>is essential for GATE exams as it illustrates the importance of nitrogen fixation for plant growth and agriculture. Understanding the energetics of this process can help in appreciating the role of microorganisms in maintaining soil fertility.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Reactants<\/th>\n<th>Products<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>N<sub>2<\/sub>, 8e<sup>&#8211;<\/sup>, 8H<sup>+<\/sup>, 16ATP<\/td>\n<td>2NH<sub>3<\/sub>, H<sub>2<\/sub>, 16ADP, 16Pi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Common Misconceptions about Nitrogen fixation (Nitrogenase) For GATE<\/h2>\n<p>Students often harbor misconceptions about fixation, a critical process in the nitrogen cycle. One common misconception is that N2 fixation only occurs in plants. This understanding is incorrect because nitrogen fixation can occur in various organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and cyanobacteria.<\/p>\n<p>N2 fixation is the process by which <strong>atmospheric nitrogen (N<sub>2<\/sub>)<\/strong>is converted into a usable form, such as <em>ammonia (NH<sub>3<\/sub>) <\/em>or <em>nitrate (NO<sub>3<\/sub><sup>&#8211;<\/sup>)<\/em>. This process is catalyzed by the enzyme <code>nitrogenase<\/code>, which is found in certain microorganisms. These microorganisms can be free-living, symbiotic, or associative, and can fix nitrogen in a variety of environments.<\/p>\n<p>Another misconception is that N2 fixation is a complex process that cannot be understood by students. However, with a proper understanding of the core concepts, students can grasp the basics of N2 fixation. The process involves the reduction of N<sub>2 <\/sub>to NH<sub>3 <\/sub>through a series of reactions, requiring a significant amount of energy. Key points to understand include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The role of <code>nitrogenase<\/code> in nitrogen fixation<\/li>\n<li>The different types of nitrogen-fixing organisms<\/li>\n<li>The energy requirements for nitrogen fixation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By addressing these misconceptions and understanding the fundamental principles of N2 fixation, students can develop a solid foundation in this topic, essential for success in exams like <a href=\"https:\/\/gate2026.iitg.ac.in\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GATE<\/a>, CSIR NET, and IIT JAM.<\/p>\n<p class=\"responsive-video-wrap clr\"><iframe title=\"Analytical Chemistry | Inorganic Chemistry | CSIR NET | IIT JAM | GATE | VedPrep Chem Academy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2OdbD-Rjz4E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<section class=\"vedprep-faq\">\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-15960 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-15960.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-15960.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-15960.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-15960.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-15960.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1778609570\">\n<div id=\"sp-ea-15960\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\">\n\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159600\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159600\" aria-controls=\"collapse159600\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is nitrogen fixation?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse159600\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159600\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is the biochemical process of converting atmospheric dinitrogen ($N_2$), which plants cannot use directly, into ammonia ($NH_3$), a form essential for synthesizing amino acids and proteins.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159601\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159601\" aria-controls=\"collapse159601\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Which enzyme catalyzes the nitrogen fixation process?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159601\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159601\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The process is catalyzed by the <\/span><b>nitrogenase enzyme complex<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which consists of two main parts: the <\/span><b>Fe protein<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (dinitrogen reductase) and the <\/span><b>MoFe protein<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (dinitrogenase).<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159602\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159602\" aria-controls=\"collapse159602\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How much energy is required to fix one molecule of $N_2$?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159602\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159602\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The biological reduction of one $N_2$ molecule is highly energy-intensive, requiring <\/span><b>16 molecules of ATP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>8 electrons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159603\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159603\" aria-controls=\"collapse159603\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Why is nitrogenase sensitive to oxygen?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159603\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159603\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The iron-sulfur clusters in nitrogenase are rapidly and irreversibly inactivated by oxygen. This is why nitrogen-fixing bacteria often live in anaerobic or microaerobic environments, such as legume root nodules.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159604\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159604\" aria-controls=\"collapse159604\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the role of leghaemoglobin in root nodules?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159604\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159604\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Leghaemoglobin acts as an oxygen scavenger. It binds to oxygen to protect the sensitive nitrogenase enzyme while still providing enough oxygen for the bacteria's cellular respiration.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159605\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159605\" aria-controls=\"collapse159605\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Which genes are responsible for nitrogen fixation?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159605\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159605\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>nif genes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are the specific set of genes that encode the nitrogenase complex and other regulatory proteins required for biological nitrogen fixation.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159606\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159606\" aria-controls=\"collapse159606\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Can plants fix nitrogen on their own?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159606\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159606\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No. Plants cannot fix nitrogen themselves; they rely on symbiotic bacteria (like <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rhizobium<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">), free-living bacteria (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Azotobacter<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">), or cyanobacteria to perform the conversion.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159607\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159607\" aria-controls=\"collapse159607\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the difference between symbiotic and free-living nitrogen fixers?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159607\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159607\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Symbiotic fixers, like <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rhizobium<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, live inside plant tissues (nodules). Free-living fixers, such as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Azotobacter<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Clostridium<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, operate independently in the soil.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159608\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159608\" aria-controls=\"collapse159608\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What are the key metallic components of the nitrogenase enzyme?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159608\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159608\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most nitrogenases contain <\/span><b>Iron (Fe)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>Molybdenum (Mo)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. However, some bacteria can use alternative nitrogenases containing Vanadium (V) or only Iron.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\">\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-159609\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse159609\" aria-controls=\"collapse159609\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the overall chemical equation for biological nitrogen fixation?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse159609\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-15960\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-159609\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The standard reaction is:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$$N_2 + 8e^- + 8H^+ + 16ATP \\rightarrow 2NH_3 + H_2 + 16ADP + 16P_i$$<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nitrogen fixation for GATE is a crucial process by which molecular dinitrogen is converted into ammonia, catalyzed by nitrogenases. This process is essential for plant growth and agriculture. Understanding this concept is necessary for competitive exams like GATE.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":13358,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_seo_score":86},"categories":[31],"tags":[2923,8875,8876,8877,3773,2922],"class_list":["post-13359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gate","tag-competitive-exams","tag-nitrogen-fixation-nitrogenase-for-gate","tag-nitrogen-fixation-nitrogenase-for-gate-notes","tag-nitrogen-fixation-nitrogenase-for-gate-questions","tag-plant-physiology","tag-vedprep","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13359"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15961,"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13359\/revisions\/15961"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vedprep.com\/exams\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}