Understand the concept of nitrogen fixation: Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) or other biologically usable forms. This process is essential for making nitrogen available to living organisms.
Identify the role of enzymes in nitrogen fixation: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate specific chemical reactions. In the case of nitrogen fixation, the enzyme responsible must be able to break the strong triple bond in molecular nitrogen (N₂).
Examine the options provided: Nitrogenase enzyme, Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), ATP synthase, and Nitrate reductase. Each enzyme has a distinct function in biological processes.
Focus on the nitrogenase enzyme: Nitrogenase is the enzyme directly responsible for nitrogen fixation. It catalyzes the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) using electrons and ATP as energy sources. This process occurs in certain bacteria and archaea, often in symbiosis with plants.
Clarify why other options are incorrect: RuBisCO is involved in carbon fixation during photosynthesis, ATP synthase is responsible for ATP production in cellular respiration, and nitrate reductase is involved in the reduction of nitrate (NO₃⁻) to nitrite (NO₂⁻) in nitrogen metabolism, but none of these directly fix atmospheric nitrogen.