nitrogenase

Thân thiện

A scientist studies nitrogenase activity in a laboratory culture.

Definition

Noun: * An enzyme found in certain nitrogen-fixing microorganisms (such as bacteria) that catalyzes the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃). This process is essential for converting inert nitrogen gas into a biologically usable form.

Usage

• Nitrogenase is the key enzyme responsible for biological nitrogen fixation.
• The activity of nitrogenase is highly sensitive to oxygen.
• Scientists are studying the structure of nitrogenase to understand how it breaks the strong triple bond of N₂.

Advanced Usage

• Nitrogenase complex: Refers to the complete enzyme system, which typically includes multiple protein components (e.g., the Fe protein and the MoFe protein).
• Nitrogenase activity: A measurement of the rate at which the enzyme converts nitrogen to ammonia.

Variants and Related Words

• Nitrogen fixation (n.): The overall process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia or related compounds, which is catalyzed by nitrogenase.
• Dinitrogenase (n.): A term sometimes used specifically for the component of the nitrogenase complex that binds and reduces N₂.

Synonyms

• Nitrogen-fixing enzyme: A descriptive synonym highlighting its primary function.

Related Phrases

• To catalyze nitrogen fixation: This is the primary action performed by nitrogenase.
  • The bacterium's nitrogenase catalyzes nitrogen fixation in the root nodules.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an enzyme of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms that catalyzes the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia