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Multiple Choice
How many moles of ATP are required to reduce one mole of N2 by the nitrogenase enzyme?
A
16 moles
B
2 moles
C
4 moles
D
8 moles
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of ATP in the nitrogenase enzyme reaction: ATP provides the energy required for the reduction of nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3).
Recognize the stoichiometry of the nitrogenase reaction: The reduction of one mole of N2 to two moles of NH3 involves multiple electron transfer steps, each requiring energy input from ATP.
Consider the biochemical mechanism: The nitrogenase enzyme complex uses ATP to facilitate the transfer of electrons from a donor molecule to N2, breaking the strong triple bond in N2.
Identify the number of ATP molecules used per electron transfer: Typically, the reduction of N2 involves the transfer of six electrons, and each electron transfer step requires a specific number of ATP molecules.
Calculate the total ATP requirement: Multiply the number of ATP molecules required per electron by the total number of electrons needed to fully reduce one mole of N2 to NH3.