Question

how do the blue green algae and symbiotic bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen compounds

Answer 1

With the help of specialised structures called heterocysts.

Answer 2

Answer:

Blue-green algae and symbiotic bacteria both convert free nitrogen into nitrogenous compounds such as ammonia, nitrate, nitrites with the help of enzyme nitrogenase.

The process is termed as biological nitrogen fixation. The overall reaction can be written as:

N₂ + 16 ATP 8 e⁻ + 8 H⁺ → 2 NH₃ + H₂ + 16 ADP + 16 Pi

The cyanobacteria are free living nitrogen fixers which have specialized cells called heterocysts. These cells help the cyanobacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen in anaerobic conditions. It also helps in overcoming the oxygen sensitivity of nitrogenase enzyme.

Symbiotic bacteria are usually present in the root nodules leguminous plants. They fix atmospheric nitrogen into products which can be used by the plants. In return, they get food from plants in the form of sugar.