Name the most crucial enzyme found in root nodules for N2 fixation? Does it require a special pink coloured pigment for its functioning? Elaborate.
Ans.
Nitrogenase is the most crucial enzyme that is required for N2 fixation. Nitrogenase is extremely sensitive to oxygen, and this pink coloured pigment called leghemoglobin acts as an oxygen scavenger and creates an anaerobic condition which is necessary for normal functioning of nitrogenase.