Q. Leghaemoglobin functions as :
(a) Oxygen scavenger
(b) Nitrogen scavenger
(c) CO2 Scavenger
(d) Hydrogen carrier
Solution :
Correct option : A The root nodules of the leguminous plants contain an oxygen-binding heme protein called leghemoglobin. It is present in the cytoplasm of infected nodule cells at high concentrations. The function of leghemoglobin is to help transport oxygen to the respiring symbiotic bacterial cells in a manner analogous to hemoglobin transporting oxygen to respiring tissues in animals. It has a high affinity for oxygen (approximately, ten times higher than the ß chain of human hemoglobin). Thus, it acts as a oxygen scavenger.
Hence, the correct answer is option A .
