Question

Which one of the following mineral elements play an important role in biological nitrogen fixation? (1)Copper (2)Manganese (3)Zinc (4)Molybdenum

Answer 1

Answer:

• The correct option is option 4.) Molybdenum.

Explanation:

• Plants require various mineral nutrients for it's normal functioning. Some of them are required in large quantities, called Macronutrients, and others in low quantities which are called as Micronutrients.

• Molybdenum is one of the micronutrients required by the plants. It is crucial because it plays an important role in biological nitrogen fixation with nitrogen fixing bacteria called Rhizobium in leguminous plants.

• The nitrogen fixing bacteria Rhizobium converts the atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate and nitrite which can be absorbed by the plant in the presence of enzyme Nitrogenase which gets activated in the presence of Molybdenum.

• So, if there is absence or deficiency of Molybdenum in the plant, it will affect the nitrogen consumption of plants, and will lead to nitrogen deficiency.

• Therefore, Molybdenum plays an important role in biological nitrogen fixation activities.