Nitrogen fixation trace metals

In a perspective provided by structure of the Periodic Table, molybdenum and tungsten are distinct in being the only 4d- and 5d-transition metals that are required for the normal metabolism of biological systems. These metals play a vital role as the catalytic centres of a wide variety of enzymes. Mo was first identified as an essential trace element in the 1930s, because of its role in nitrogen fixation this metal is now known to be the catalytic centre of over 50 enzymes. Evidence for the involvement of W in biological systems has been obtained only relatively recently, especially for enzymes of hyperthermophilic archea that thrive near lOOX. ... 

Some of the critical enzymes in our cells are metalloproteins, large organic molecules made up of folded polymerized chains of amino acids that also include at least one metal atom. These metalloproteins are intensely studied by biochemists, because they control life and protect against disease. They have also been used to trace evolutionary paths. The d-block metals catalyze redox reactions, form components of membrane, muscle, skin, and bone, catalyze acid-base reactions, control the flow of energy and oxygen, and carry out nitrogen fixation. 

The molybdenum (Mo) is the one of the most important trace elements, being essential for plants and animals. The most important biogeochemical role of this metal is related to the process of biological fixation of molecule nitrogen (N2) from the atmosphere, since Mo is the obligatory constituent of the relevant biochemical ferment at N-fixing leguminous species. 

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