What is "nitrogenase"

n. (context enzyme English) Any enzyme, especially in nitrogen-fixing bacteria, that catalyzes the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

n. an enzyme of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms that catalyzes the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia

Nitrogenases are enzymes that are produced by certain bacteria, such as cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). These enzymes are responsible for the reduction of nitrogen (N) to ammonia (NH). Nitrogenases are the only family of enzymes known to catalyze this reaction, which is a key step in the process of nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation is required for all forms of life, with nitrogen being essential for the biosynthesis of molecules ( nucleotides, amino acids) that create plants, animals and other organisms.

Nitrogenase (flavodoxin) is an enzyme with systematic name reduced flavodoxin:dinitrogen oxidoreductase (ATP-hydrolysing). This enzyme catalyses the following chemical reaction

6 reduced flavodoxin + 6 H + N + n ATP $\rightleftharpoons$ 6 oxidized flavodoxin + 2 NH + n ADP + n phosphate

The enzyme is a complex of two proteins containing iron- sulfur centres and molybdenum.