The product(s) of reaction catalyzed by nitrogenase in root nodules of leguminous plants is/are [NEET 2020]

Explanation

• In the root nodules of leguminous plants, the enzyme nitrogenase is responsible for biological nitrogen fixation.

• It converts atmospheric nitrogen gas (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) using energy from ATP and reducing power from ferredoxin or other sources.

The overall reaction catalyzed by nitrogenase is:

\({\text{N}}_{2}+8{H}^{+}+8{e}^{−}+16ATP\to 2N{H}_{3}+{H}_{2}+16ADP+16Pi\)

• As you can see, hydrogen gas (H₂) is also produced as a byproduct along with ammonia.

• Oxygen is not a product — in fact, nitrogenase is highly sensitive to oxygen and works in an anaerobic environment maintained by leghemoglobin in root nodules.

Final Answer: B. Ammonia and hydrogen