Which pigment is essential for nitrogen fixation by leguminous plants?
- AAnthocyanin
- BLeghaemoglobin
- CPhycocyanin
- DMore than one of the above
- ENone of the above
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (b) Leghaemoglobin
Explanation
Leghaemoglobin, a pink pigment in the root nodules of legumes, is essential for nitrogen fixation.
The enzyme that fixes nitrogen (nitrogenase) is destroyed by oxygen, and leghaemoglobin binds oxygen to protect it.