What is the role fo molybdenum?

Options

A. (a) Nitrogen fixation
B. (b) Flower induction
C. (c) Chromosome contraction
D. (d) Carbon assimilation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify Molybdenum as a Micronutrient**: Molybdenum is classified as an essential micronutrient for plants, meaning that it is required in small amounts for their growth and development.

2. **Role of Molybdenum in Enzyme Function**: Molybdenum acts as a co-factor for the enzyme nitrogenase. This means that it is necessary for the enzyme to function properly.

3. **Understanding Nitrogenase and Its Function**: The nitrogenase enzyme is crucial for biological nitrogen fixation. This process involves converting atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into a usable form for plants, specifically into nitrate (NO₃⁻).

4. **Importance of Nitrate for Plants**: Nitrate is a vital nutrient for plants as it is one of the primary forms of nitrogen that plants can absorb and utilize for growth.

5. **Conclusion on the Role of Molybdenum**: Therefore, the primary role of molybdenum in plants is to facilitate nitrogen fixation through its involvement with the nitrogenase enzyme, ultimately aiding in the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

**Final Answer**: The role of molybdenum is primarily in nitrogen fixation, as it is a co-factor for the enzyme nitrogenase, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate.

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