nitrogenase

[ nahy-troj-uh-neys, -neyz, nahy-truh-juh- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme complex that catalyzes the reduction of molecular nitrogen in the nitrogen-fixation process of bacteria.

nitrogenase

/ nī-trŏj′ə-nās′,nī′trə-jə- /

1. An enzyme of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that catalyzes the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrogenase¹

First recorded in 1930–35; nitrogen + -ase

Example Sentences

To fuel nitrogenase, some diazotrophs consume organic matter in the soil.

From Popular-Science