Definition

A type of enzyme found in certain bacteria that helps convert nitrogen from the air into ammonia, which can be used by plants.

Example

Nitrogenase is essential for the process of nitrogen fixation in many plants.

Conversation

Have you heard about the role of nitrogenase in plants?

Yeah, it's pretty interesting how it helps convert nitrogen into something useful.

Exactly! I read that without nitrogenase, many plants wouldn't thrive at all.

Right? It's amazing how nature has these enzymes that support life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nitrogenase is formed from "nitrogen" (from Latin "nitrogenium", meaning the substance that generates nitre) and "-ase" (a suffix used in biochemistry to denote enzymes). The word refers to an enzyme that facilitates the fixation of nitrogen from the atmosphere into a usable form for living organisms.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nitrogen' as the substance that this enzyme works with, and '-ase' indicates that it is an enzyme. So, nitrogenase is an enzyme that helps convert nitrogen into a usable form.

Visually Confused Words