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The function of leghaemoglobin in the root nodules of legumes is
A
Expression of $nif$ gene
B
Inhibition of nitrogenase activity
C
Oxygen removal
D
Nodule differentiation
Detailed Solution
The enzyme nitrogenase, which reduces $N_2$ to ammonia in the root nodule, is highly sensitive to molecular oxygen and needs anaerobic conditions.
The nodule contains a pink pigment, leghaemoglobin, which binds oxygen.
By combining with oxygen it acts as an oxygen scavenger, keeping the free oxygen concentration around nitrogenase very low while still supplying oxygen for the respiration of the bacteroids.
Thus it protects nitrogenase; it does not inhibit it, and it has no role in $nif$ gene expression or nodule differentiation.
Hence the function of leghaemoglobin is oxygen removal.
The nodule contains a pink pigment, leghaemoglobin, which binds oxygen.
By combining with oxygen it acts as an oxygen scavenger, keeping the free oxygen concentration around nitrogenase very low while still supplying oxygen for the respiration of the bacteroids.
Thus it protects nitrogenase; it does not inhibit it, and it has no role in $nif$ gene expression or nodule differentiation.
Hence the function of leghaemoglobin is oxygen removal.