Nitrogenase is an Oxygen-Sensitive Enzyme Even Though Many Diazotrophs Are

Question

Nitrogenase is an oxygen-sensitive enzyme even though many diazotrophs are aerobic microorganisms.

Accepted Answer

Nitrogenase is an oxygen-sensitive enzyme and can be irreversibly damaged by the presence of oxygen. Therefore, diazotrophs have mechanisms to protect nitrogenase from oxygen, such as utilizing specialized structures like heterocysts or accumulating low levels of oxygen in specialized compartments.