NITROGEN FIXATION AND ITS IMPROVEMENT THROUGH GENETIC ENGINEERING

Abstract

The process of conversion of nitrogen to a combined form is catalyzed by a complex metalloenzyme nitrogenase. It catalyzes the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia in an ATPdependent manner. Recently, though in limited extent, evidences have been found regarding the nitrogen fixation in non leguminous crops. The total understanding of both leguminous and non-leguminous nitrogen fixation in the crops and the cause of limited nitrogen fixation is reviewed here. The various achievements in manipulating the host plant and the microorganism to improve the yield of nitrogen fixation are also discussed in this review.