Which one of the following statements about the catalytic conversion of nitrogen gas by nitrogenase enzyme in root nodules of leguminous plants is not correct?

The catalytic conversion of nitrogen (N₂) to ammonia by the nitrogenase enzyme is a strictly anaerobic process. The nitrogenase enzyme is highly sensitive to molecular oxygen and is irreversibly inactivated by it. To protect the enzyme, leguminous plants produce leghaemoglobin, which acts as an oxygen scavenger to maintain a low-oxygen environment within the root nodules. Therefore, statement D is incorrect.

• ATP Supply: The process is highly energy-intensive, requiring approximately 16 ATP molecules to fix one molecule of N₂.
• Reducing Power: It requires a source of electrons and protons (hydrogen), typically supplied by reduced cofactors like NADPH, NADH, or ferredoxin.
• Product: The primary product of nitrogen fixation is ammonia (NH₃), which is immediately protonated to form ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) in the plant cells.