The "oxygen paradox" of dinitrogen-fixing bacteria

Abstract

 N₂ fixation by aerobic bacteria is a very energy demanding process, requiring efficient oxidative phosphorylation, while O₂ is toxic for the nitrogenase complex. N₂-fixing bacteria have evolved a variety of strategies to cope with this apparent "O₂ paradox". This review compares strategies that azospirilla and other well-known N₂-fixing soil bacteria use to overcome this O₂ paradox. Attention will be given to the relationships between the natural habitat of these soil bacteria and their prevailing adaptations. In view of this knowledge the following questions will be addressed: are the specific adaptations observed in azospirilla sufficient to allow optimal proliferation and N₂ fixation in their natural habitat? Could improving the O₂ tolerance of the N₂-fixing process contribute to the development of more efficient strains for the inoculation of plants?