gs1medium
Which feature of some species of blue-green algae helps promote them as bio-fertilizers?
- A.They convert atmospheric methane into ammonia which the crop plants can absorb readily
- B.They induce the crop plants to produce the enzymes which help convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates
- C.They have the mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the crop plants can absorb readily
- D.They induce the roots of the crop plants to⇰ absorb the soil nitrates in larger quantities
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C. They have the mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the crop plants can absorb readily
Certain blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, possess the remarkable ability of biological nitrogen fixation. They contain the enzyme nitrogenase which catalyzes the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3). This ammonia is then assimilated into organic compounds, which eventually become available to plants, thus enriching the soil and acting as a natural fertilizer.
Source: UPSC gs1 2010