Question

Why can only a few organisms convert N2 gas directly into ammonia gas while the other organisms cannot?

A) Genetic mutations prevent most organisms from converting N2 to ammonia
B) Enzymatic processes in certain organisms enable the conversion of N2 to ammonia
C) Lack of energy prevents most organisms from performing the conversion
D) Environmental factors inhibit the conversion of N2 to ammonia in most organisms

Answer 1

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria possess the enzyme nitrogenase, allowing them to convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia. The answer is B) Enzymatic processes in certain organisms enable the conversion of N2 to ammonia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3) is a crucial process called nitrogen fixation, and it is carried out by specific microorganisms known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria possess the enzyme nitrogenase, which catalyzes the conversion of N2 to ammonia. This enzymatic capability is not present in most organisms, and it is a specialized adaptation of certain bacteria.

Genetic mutations (Option A) may play a role in the evolution of organisms, but the specific ability to convert N2 to ammonia is associated with the presence of nitrogenase and is not solely dependent on genetic mutations. Energy availability (Option C) and environmental factors (Option D) also play roles, but the key factor lies in the enzymatic processes specific to nitrogen-fixing bacteria.