noun
- an enzyme complex that catalyzes the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia in nitrogen-fixing bacteria and archaea
Usage: biochemistry
Examples
- Nitrogenase is essential for biological nitrogen fixation in legume root nodules.
- The nitrogenase enzyme requires large amounts of energy to break the strong nitrogen-nitrogen bond.
- Researchers study nitrogenase to develop better fertilizers and reduce agricultural costs.
- Oxygen can irreversibly damage the nitrogenase complex, so nitrogen-fixing bacteria must protect it.
- The nitrogenase system consists of two main protein components that work together.
- Scientists are trying to engineer crops that can produce their own nitrogenase.