Q39 / 432 · NTA Abhyas (NEET) 2020 · Botany · Biological Classification

Select the CORRECT statement/s regarding heterocysts.

  • A
    These are present in some filamentous cyanobacteria such as Nostoc and Anabaena.
  • B
    These cells are specialized to perform N2-fixation.
  • C
    These cells contain enzyme nitrogenase.
  • Correct answer
    D
    All of these

Solution

Specialized nitrogen-fixing cells found in some filamentous cyanobacteria are called heterocyst. These are modified to fix atmospheric nitrogen when faced with nitrogen starvation. Heterocyst contains the enzyme nitrogenase which helps in fixing N2 and provides nitrogen for cell biosynthesis. Since nitrogenase gets deactivated in the presence of oxygen, the heterocyst creates a micro-anaerobic environment. These cells undergo certain physiological changes like the presence of three additional cell walls, degradation of PS-II to facilitate the fixing process. Anabaena, Nostoc, etc. are common examples of having heterocyst.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

More Biological Classification Questions