Which of the following organisms cannot fix nitrogen?A. Azotobacter B. Oscillatoria C. Anabaena D. Volvox E. Nostoc
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
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Many cyanobacteria, like Anabaena and Nostoc, have specialized cells called heterocysts that help them fix nitrogen. Organisms like Volvox do not possess this ability.
Let's analyze the organisms:
A. Azotobacter is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, so it can fix nitrogen. B. Oscillatoria is a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and can fix nitrogen. C. Anabaena is also a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium. D. Volvox is a green alga that cannot fix nitrogen. It relies on the environment for nitrogen and does not have the ability to fix it. E. Nostoc is a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium.
Thus, the correct answer is D only.