Question

In nitrogen fixation, what is the function of the nitrogenase active site?

Answer 1

in one line Nitrogenase converts dinitrogen gas into ammonia.

nitrogenase is the enzyme responsible for fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and it's found in various microbes that may live alone in the nature or in symbiotic relationships with plants. The nitrogenase molecule looks similar to a sandwich. On both ends of the molecule are two iron containing proteins that are bonded to a molybdenum/iron protein.

the equilibrium formation of ammonia from molecular hydrogen and nitrogen has an overall negative enthalpy of reaction (), the activation energy is very high ().

The active site of nitrogenase is FeMoco. It is the place where dinitrogen and substrates alike are reduced . Nitrogenase acts as a catalyst, reducing this energy barrier such that the reaction can take place at ambient temperatures.