Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen Fixation

Inspiring act of nature is self-regulation. As all living organisms act as tools for bio geo chemical cycles, nitrogen cycle is highly regulated. Life on earth depends on nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen occurs in atmosphere in the form of N₂ (N≡N), two nitrogen atoms joined together by strong triple covalent bonds. The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia is termed as nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation can occur by two methods: 1. Biological; 2. Non-Biological (Figure 12.5).

Activity

Preparation of Solution Culture to find out Mineral Deficiency

1.           Take a glass jar or polythene bottle and cover with black paper (to prevent algal growth and roots reacting with light).

2.           Add nutrient solution.

3.           Fix a plant with the help of split cork.

4.           Fix a tube for aeration.

5.           Observe the growth by adding specific minerals.

1. Non – Biological nitrogen fixation

•               Nitrogen fixation by chemical process in industry.

•               Natural electrical discharge during lightening fixes atmospheric nitrogen.

2. Biological nitrogen fixation

Symbiotic bacterium like Rhizobium fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Cyanobacteria found in Lichens, Anthoceros, Azolla and coralloid roots of Cycas also fix nitrogen. non-symbiotic (free living bacteria) like Clostridium also fix nitrogen.

a. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation

i. Nitrogen fixation with nodulation

Rhizobium bacterium is found in leguminous plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. This kind of symbiotic association is beneficial for both the bacterium and plant. Root nodules are formed due to bacterial infection. Rhizobium enters into the host cell and proliferates, it remains separated from the host cytoplasm by a membrane (Figure 12.6).

Stages of Root nodule formation:

1.     Legume plants secretes phenolics which attracts Rhizobium.

2.     Rhizobium reaches the rhizosphere and enters into the root hair, infects the root hair and leads to curling of root hairs.

3.     Infection thread grows inwards and separates the infected tissue from normal tissue. 

4.           A membrane bound bacterium is formed inside the nodule and is called bacteroid.

5.           Cytokinin from bacteria and auxin from host plant promotes cell division and leads to nodule formation

Activity

•               Collect roots of legumes with root nodules.

•               Take cross section of the root nodule.

•               Observe under microscope. Discuss your observations with your teacher.

Non-Legume

Alnus and Casuarina contain the bacterium Frankia. Psychotria contains the bacterium Klebsiella.

ii. Nitrogen fixation without nodulation

The following plants and prokaryotes are involved in nitrogen fixation.

Lichens - Anabaena and Nostoc

Anthoceros - Nostoc

Azolla -  Anabaena azollae

Cycas -  Anabaena and Nostoc

b. Non-symbiotic Nitrogen fixation

Free living bacteria and fungi also fix atmospheric nitrogen.