Which one is the correct equation of nitrogen fixation?

Options

A. `N_(2)+8e^(-)+8H^(+)+8ATPtoNH_(3)+H_(2)+16ADP+16P_(i)`
B. `N_(2)+8e^(-)+8H^(+)+16ATPto2NH_(3)+H_(2)+16ADP+16P_(i)`
C. `2NH_(3)+4O_(2)to2H^(+)+2H_(2)O+2NO_(3)^(-)`
D. `2NH_(3)+3O_(2)to2NO_(2)^(-)+2H^(+)+2N_(2)O`

Answer

To determine the correct equation for nitrogen fixation, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Nitrogen Fixation**:
- Nitrogen fixation is the process where atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃). This process is essential because plants cannot utilize atmospheric nitrogen directly.

2. **Role of Enzymes**:
- The enzyme responsible for this conversion is called nitrogenase or dinitrogenase. This enzyme facilitates the reaction that converts nitrogen gas into ammonia.

3. **Components of the Reaction**:
- The reaction requires:
- 1 molecule of nitrogen (N₂)
- 8 electrons (e⁻)
- 8 protons (H⁺)
- 16 molecules of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for energy.

4. **Products of the Reaction**:
- The products of this reaction are:
- 2 molecules of ammonia (NH₃)
- 1 molecule of hydrogen gas (H₂)
- 16 molecules of ADP (adenosine diphosphate)
- 16 inorganic phosphate (Pi).

5. **Writing the Equation**:
- Putting all the components together, the equation for nitrogen fixation can be written as:
\[ N_2 + 8e^- + 8H^+ + 16ATP \rightarrow 2NH_3 + H_2 + 16ADP + 16Pi \]

6. **Identifying the Correct Option**:
- Based on the equation derived, the correct option for nitrogen fixation is the one that matches this equation.

### Final Answer:
The correct equation for nitrogen fixation is:
\[ N_2 + 8e^- + 8H^+ + 16ATP \rightarrow 2NH_3 + H_2 + 16ADP + 16Pi \]