What is Nitrogen Fixation

Question

What is nitrogen fixation? A) The reduction of NO3− to NH4⁺. B) The formation of NH4⁺ from N2gas. C) The oxidation of NH4⁺ to N2. D) The oxidation of NH4⁺ to NO3−. E) The formation of NO2− from NO3−.

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen gas (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This is done through the enzymatic conversion of N2 gas to NH₄⁺, which then reacts with hydrogen ions (H+) to form NH3. Therefore, the correct choice is B as it describes the formation of NH₄⁺ from N₂ gas.