Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogenase and Chemical Modelling

Synopsis
Concentrates on a suggested model for the operations of the two proteins of the nitrogenese enzyme which bacteria use to fix nitrogen. First shows how root modules of legumes possess nitrogen fixing bacteria, then how a bacterium is cultured and how proteins are extracted from it. There is a model for the nitrogenase operation, and a schematic illustration of the Chatt cycle for the nitrogen fixing process. This relates each step in the cycle to the progressive bonding of protons to a dinitrogen molecule, bound presumably at molybdenum, in the active site of the molybdo-protein. Dr Chris Pickett of the University of Sussex demonstrates his electrolytic cell which physically illustrates parts of the Chatt cycle, at room temperature and pressure. He adds a tungsten complex containing dinitrogen to the cathode compartment of the cell, into which dinitrogen is bubbling. By adding a source of protons (tosylic acid) he forms a hydrazine.
Series
S343 Videocassette 2
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.
Year of production
1990
Availability
Sale
Subjects
Agriculture; Chemistry
Keywords
inorganic chemistry; legumes; nitrogen fixation; root nodules

Credits

Producer
Michael Peet
Cast
Crawford Logan 

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web
http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
+44 (0) 1908 274066
Address
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
Notes
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