Question

Identify correct statements:
Statement (I): Azotobacter is a free living, nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Statement (II): It is an aerobic, non-photosynthetic, non-nodule-forming bacteria
Statement (III): It is used as a biofertilizer for all leguminous plants.
Statement (IV): It is intimately associated with the roots of Gymnosperms.

• A. All statements are correct
• B. All statements are wrong
• C. Statement (I) and (II) are correct but (III) and (IV) are incorrect
• D. Statement (III) and (IV) are correct but (I) and (II) are incorrect

Hint:

Azotobacter fixes nitrogen on its own in the soil. Legumes use a different, nodule-forming bacterium.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Azotobacter is a free-living, aerobic, non-photosynthetic nitrogen-fixing bacterium that does not form nodules.

Step 2: Statements I and II
Both describe it correctly.

Step 3: Statements III and IV
The biofertilizer for legumes is Rhizobium, not Azotobacter, which is used for non-leguminous crops. So III is wrong.
Gymnosperm roots are associated with mycorrhiza, not Azotobacter. So IV is wrong.

Final Answer:
Statements I and II are correct and III and IV are incorrect. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Statement (I) and (II) are correct but (III) and (IV) are incorrect}} \]