Structure
of
Nitrogenase
Components -
The nitrogenase system is present only in prokaryotes. It consists of two dissociating protein components. Component I (also called enzyme I, molybdoferredoxin, azofermo and Mo-Fe protein), contains Mo, Fe and S--. Component II, (also called enzyme II, azoferrodoxin, azofer and Fe protein), contains Fe and S--.
Each component by itself has no activity of its own. Combination of the two inactive components reconstitutes nitrogenase activity.
The two components interact as a complex in vivo, and one component is required for the stability of the other. The two inactive components have similar physical and chemical properties.
