Algae nitrogen fixation

In nature, nitrogen fixation is accomplished by nitrogenase, an enzyme that binds N2 and weakens its bonding sufficiently to break the triple bond. Only a few algae and bacteria contain nitrogenase. Our Chemishy and Life Box describes what is known about this enzyme. 

Nitrogen fixation by some bacteria and algae, e.g., Klebsiella, Azotobacter, Nitrifying Rhizobium... 

Carpenter, E.J., van Raalte, C.D., and Valiela, I. (1978) Nitrogen fixation by algae in a Massachusetts salt marsh. Limnol. Oceanogr. 23, 318-327. 

Savela, K. (1983) Nitrogen fixation by the blue-green alga Calothrix scopulorum in coastal waters of the Baltic. Ann. Bot. Fenn. 20, 399-405. 

The fixation of nitrogen is the most fundamental biochemical process after photosynthesis. It is the process whereby atmospheric nitrogen is reduced to ammonia. Nitrogen fixation can be carried out by blue-green algae, some yeasts, and especially bacteria. The reduction of nitrogen... 

The only reactions of molecular nitrogen at ambient temperature are the formation of lithium nitride Li3N, reactions with certain transition metal complexes, and nitrogen fixation with nitrogenase in the bacteria of the root nodules of legumes and in blue algae (Sections 14.1.1 and 14.1.2). Above 500 °C nitrogen reacts with some elements, especially with metals (nitride formation). 

Fogg, G. E. (1942). Studies on nitrogen fixation by blue-green algae. I. Nitrogen fixation by Anabaena cyUndrica Lemm. J. Exp. Biol. 19, 78—87. 

Fogg, G. E. (1978). Nitrogen fixation in the oceans. In Environmental role of Nitrogen-fixing Blue-green Algae and Asymbiotic Bacteria. Ecol. Bull. (Granhall, U., ed.), Vol. 26. Swedish Natural Science Research Council, Stockholm, pp. 11—19. 

Saino, T., and Hattori, A. (1978). Diel variation in nitrogen fixation by a marine blue-green alga, Trichodesmium thiebautii. Deep Sea R S. 25, 1259—1263. 

Penhale, P. A., and Capone, D. G. (1981). Primary productivity and nitrogen fixation in two macro-algae-cyanobaceria associations. Bull. Mar. Sci. 31, 164—169. 

Wilkinson, C. R., and Sammarco, P. W. (1983). Effects of fish grazing and damselfish territoriahty on coral-reef algae 2. nitrogen-fixation. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 13(1), 15—19. 

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