Section 15
Nitrogen Fixation
Book
Version 6
By Boundless
By Boundless
Boundless Microbiology
Microbiology
by Boundless
5 concepts
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/23962/raw/nitrogen-cycle.jpg)
Nitrogenase and Nitrogen Fixation
The process of nitrogen fixation is carried out in microbes.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/11860/square/martinus-beijerinck.jpg)
Early Discoveries in Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen fixation carried out by bacteria helps farmers yield healthy crops.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/11940/raw/e-general-catalytic-scheme.jpg)
Nitrogen Fixation Mechanism
The conversion of N2 to NH3 depends on a complex reaction, essential to which are enzymes known as nitrogenases.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/11949/square/leghemoglobin-1fsl.jpg)
Anaerobiosis and N2 Fixation
Nitrogen fixing bacteria have different strategies to reduce oxygen levels, which interfere with nitrogenase function.
![Thumbnail](../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/11948/square/nif-regulon.jpg)
Genetics and Regulation of N2 Fixation
Through control of gene expression, nitrogen fixing bacteria can turn on and off the proteins needed for nitrogen fixation.