Question:

The products of which of the following pair of nif genes control the expression of other nif genes?

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Remember: NifA is the Activator, and NifL is the Limiter/inhibitor of nitrogen fixation gene transcription.
  • nif D and nif K
  • nif A and nif L
  • nif N and nif Q
  • nif H and nif E
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Biological nitrogen fixation is carried out by prokaryotes using nitrogenase enzymes encoded by the complex multi-operon nif gene cluster. Expression of these genes is tightly regulated by specific environmental sensors and transcriptional factors.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

- The expression of the nif genes is regulated by the regulatory proteins encoded by {nifA and {nifL:
- NifA acts as a transcriptional activator that binds to the promoter regions of other nif operons, initiating their transcription.
- NifL acts as a sensor of oxygen and fixed nitrogen levels. When oxygen levels are high or fixed nitrogen is abundant, NifL binds to NifA and inhibits its activity, preventing the synthesis of nitrogenase.
- nifDK encodes the catalytic $\alpha$ and $\beta$ subunits of nitrogenase component I.
- nifH encodes the Fe-protein component II.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The regulatory pair controlling other nif genes is nifA and nifL.
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