Discovery of Molecular Mechanism Could Lead to Crops Needing Less Fertilizer

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have identified a molecular mechanism that regulates nitrogen fixation in a methane-producing microorganism. This discovery, published in the journal Nature, reveals how an enzyme binds to regulatory proteins to switch off nitrogen fixation when cellular energy or nutrient levels are low, and reactivates when conditions improve. Understanding this mechanism could contribute to more efficient ammonia production and the development of crops capable of utilizing atmospheric nitrogen, thereby reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and their environmental impact.