Question:

Given below are two statements:
Statement I : Nitrogenase enzyme is sensitive to presence of molecular oxygen
Statement II : Nodules contain leghemoglobin which protects nitrogenase enzyme from oxygen
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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Nitrogenase is oxygen-sensitive. Leghemoglobin maintains low free oxygen concentration (oxygen scavenger) while sustaining high ATP respiration.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are false
  • Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
  • Statement II is correct but Statement I is false
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Biological nitrogen fixation requires a specialized enzyme complex coupled with oxygen-buffering regulatory mechanisms.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. Statement I is true: The nitrogenase enzyme complex (comprising Fe-protein and MoFe-protein) is irreversibly denatured and inactivated in the presence of free molecular oxygen ($O_2$).
2. Statement II is true: Legume root nodules synthesize leghemoglobin (an oxygen-binding heme-protein), which acts as an efficient oxygen scavenger to buffer free $O_2$ concentrations to low levels ($pprox 10\,\text{nM}$) while delivering sufficient oxygen flux to bacteroid respiratory chains for ATP synthesis.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Thus, both Statement I and Statement II are true.
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