Nitrogen is often a limiting factor in ecosystems lacking organic detritus. Diazotrophic bacteria and archaea convert inert atmospheric N2 into bioavailable ammonium (NH4+), aiding growth in such environments.
The bond dissociation energy of the N2 triple bond makes it one of the most stable chemical bonds. Only nitrogenases, a specific family of enzymes, can effectively break it for biological nitrogen fixation.
Nitrogenases are metalloenzymes composed of a reductase component that supplies electrons and a dinitrogenase where nitrogen fixation occurs. This dynamic process is crucial for reducing atmospheric nitrogen.
Each turnover of nitrogen fixation involves complex formation and sequential electron transfer between the proteins, requiring significant energy, whilst the resulting complex's substantial mass reflects its biochemical importance.
#nitrogen-fixation #enzymatic-reactions #diazotrophic-bacteria #biological-processes #metalloenzymes
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