noun
- Plural of nitrogenase; enzymes that catalyze the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, essential for nitrogen fixation in certain bacteria and plants.
Usage: technical; biology; biochemistry
Examples
- Nitrogenases are produced by nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil.
- The legume plants rely on nitrogenases in their root nodules to obtain usable nitrogen.
- Scientists study nitrogenases to understand how organisms convert atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients.
- Different types of nitrogenases exist, each with distinct metal cofactors.
- Agricultural researchers are investigating how to enhance nitrogenase activity to reduce fertilizer dependence.