Learning Goals/Objectives for Chapter 8D: 

• describe the structure, metal cofactors, and ligands of nitrogenase;
• describe the path of electrons from the mobile electron carrier to the P cluster of nitrogenase;
• discuss the role of ATP in the nitrogenase reaction;
• draw and describe the Lowe and Thorneley cycle to show the sequential additions of electrons and protons to nitrogenase;
• describe the properties of the E4 Janus intermediate and its role in backward and forward reactions in the cycle;
• describe the role of H₂ in the mechanism of nitrogenase;
• describe the organometallic reactions oxidative addition and reductive elimination and their role in nitrogenase;
• explain the mechanisms and changes in oxidation states for Fe ions and substrates/products for the first and second half of the nitrogenase reaction.