Nitrogenase
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Nitrogenases are enzymes that are produced by certain bacteria, such as cyanobacteria and rhizobacteria. These enzymes are responsible for the reduction of nitrogen to ammonia. Nitrogenases are the on
Catalytic sites within nitrogenase. Atoms are colored by element. Top: Fe-S Cluster Middle: P Cluster Bottom: FeMo-co/M-cluster
Lowe-Thorneley kinetic model for reduction of nitrogen to ammonia by nitrogenase.
Distal vs. alternating mechanistic pathways for nitrogen fixation in nitrogenase.
Nitrogen fixation
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Nitrogen fixation is a chemical process by which the abundant but relatively inert molecular dinitrogen is converted into bioavailable nitrogen compounds such as ammonia and nitrates. It occurs both b
Nitrogenase
…of nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3). Nitrogenases are the only family of enzymes known to catalyze this reaction, which is a step in the process of nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation is required for all forms of life, with nitrogen being essential for the biosynthesis of molecules (nucleotides, amino acids) that…
Nodules are visible on this broad bean root
A sectioned alder tree root nodule
Lightning heats the air around it in a high-temperature plasma, breaking the bonds of N 2, starting the formation of nitrous acid (HNO 2).
Equipment for a study of nitrogen fixation by alpha rays (Fixed Nitrogen Research Laboratory, 1926)