Based on studies of leaf-cutter ants,in which part of the ant colony would you expect to find the highest levels of the enzyme nitrogenase?
A) In leaf refuse
B) In fungal gardens
C) In leaf-cutter ant workers
D) In leaves collected by workers
E) In both leaves and leaf refuse

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitrogenase is an enzyme that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Leaf-cutter ants use the leaves they collect to cultivate a fungus in their fungal gardens, and this fungus requires nitrogen to grow. The ants have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that live in specialized organs called bacteriomes, which are located in the ants' abdominal cavities. These bacteria fix nitrogen from the atmosphere using nitrogenase and provide the nitrogen needed by the fungus. Therefore, the highest levels of nitrogenase would be expected in the fungal gardens where the bacteria are actively fixing nitrogen to support fungal growth.

Based on Studies of Leaf-Cutter Ants,in Which Part of the Ant