escribe the biochemical process of biological fixation of nitrogen. write the general equation of biological nitrogen fixation.
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The biochemical process of biological nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas into a usable form by certain microorganisms. It is a crucial process for maintaining the availability of nitrogen, which is an essential element for the growth and survival of living organisms.
The general equation for biological nitrogen fixation is:
N2 + 8H+ + 8e- + 16 ATP → 2NH3 + H2 + 16 ADP + 16 Pi
In this equation:
- N2 represents atmospheric nitrogen gas.
- H+ represents hydrogen ions.
- e- represents electrons.
- ATP represents adenosine triphosphate, which is an energy molecule.
- NH3 represents ammonia, which is the usable form of nitrogen for plants and other organisms.
- H2 represents hydrogen gas.
- ADP represents adenosine diphosphate, which is a molecule used in energy transfer.
- Pi represents inorganic phosphate.
Biological nitrogen fixation is carried out by specific bacteria known as diazotrophs. These bacteria possess an enzyme called nitrogenase, which facilitates the conversion of nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3).
The process involves several steps:
1. Nitrogenase reduces nitrogen gas (N2) to ammonia (NH3) by adding hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons (e-).
2. The energy required for this process is obtained from the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi).
3. The ammonia produced can be further used by plants, algae, and other organisms to synthesize amino acids, proteins, and other nitrogen-containing compounds necessary for growth and development.
Overall, biological nitrogen fixation is a vital process that replenishes the soil with usable nitrogen and plays a crucial role in sustaining the Earth's ecosystems.