48.Function of leghaemoglobin during biological nitrogen fixation in root nodules of legumes is to: A. Convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia B. Convert ammonia to nitrite C. Transport oxygen for activity of nitrogenase D. Protect nitrogenase from oxygen
Option D. Leghaemoglobin is a pink-colored pigment that is present in the root nodules of leguminous plants. The nitrogenase enzyme is also present along with the leghaemoglobin in the root nodules of the leguminous plants. The main function of this enzyme is nitrogen fixation. But under anaerobic conditions inside the soil nitrogenase enzyme has a high affinity toward the molecular O2. This hampers the nitrogen fixation process. So, leghaemoglobin protects the nitrogenase enzyme so that it doesn't react with the oxygen under the anaerobic condition.
