An element playing important role in nitrogen fixation is

An element playing important role in nitrogen fixation is
A Zinc
B Molybdenum
C Copper
D Manganese

Detailed Solution

Biological nitrogen fixation is catalysed by the enzyme nitrogenase, which reduces $N_2$ to ammonia.
Nitrogenase is a Mo–Fe protein: molybdenum is a component of the enzyme.
Molybdenum is also a component of nitrate reductase, both of which take part in nitrogen metabolism.
Zinc activates carboxylases and is needed for auxin synthesis, copper is associated with redox enzymes, and manganese is needed for the photolysis of water.
Hence the element with an important role in nitrogen fixation is molybdenum.

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Practise Biological nitrogen fixation All 6 questions This chapter in 2010 AIPMT-PRE