How do diazotrophs maximize nitrogenase activity?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how diazotrophs maximize nitrogenase activity. This involves understanding the conditions and mechanisms they employ to protect nitrogenase from oxygen, which can inhibit its function.
Answer
D. producing specialized structures or fixing N₂ at times when oxygen is absent to protect nitrogenase from oxygen.
Diazotrophs maximize nitrogenase activity by producing specialized structures or fixing N₂ at times when oxygen is absent to protect nitrogenase from oxygen. So the answer is D.
Answer for screen readers
Diazotrophs maximize nitrogenase activity by producing specialized structures or fixing N₂ at times when oxygen is absent to protect nitrogenase from oxygen. So the answer is D.
More Information
Diazotrophs are bacteria and archaea that fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, using the enzyme nitrogenase. Nitrogenase is sensitive to oxygen, so diazotrophs have developed various strategies to protect it, including producing specialized structures or fixing nitrogen when oxygen levels are low.
Tips
A common incorrect answer is A. closely coupling N₂ fixation with high rates of photosynthesis, Photosynthesis produces oxygen, which inhibits nitrogenase.
Sources
- Importance of the diazotrophs as a source of new nitrogen in the ... - sciencedirect.com
- Diazotroph - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
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