Final answer:
The correct answer is Nitrogen fixation. Leguminous plants, such as beans, have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria known as rhizobia. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into a usable form, such as ammonia (NH3), which is then used by the plant for nucleotide and protein formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is a) Nitrogen fixation. Leguminous plants, such as beans, have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria known as rhizobia. These bacteria live in root nodules of legumes and convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N₂) into a usable form, such as ammonia (NH₃), which is then used by the plant for nucleotide and protein formation. This process helps replenish the nitrogen in the soil, addressing the shortage in a nitrogen-depleted field.