Biological Nitrogen Fixation?

Question

I just studied Biological Nitrogen Fixation and saw it's reaction but i do not understand why there is 8 electrons and 8 protons are involved and Hydrogen molecule is formed side by side along with 2xAmmonia... According to me there should be 6electrons and protons because it needs 2electons in each step from Nitrogen to Di-imide and 2electrons from Di-imide to Hydrazine to give out 2xAmmonia

Answer 1

You are correct in stating that 6 electron and protons are needed go produce 2 ammonia. As for where the extra 2 protons and electrons, the answer lies with the enzyme complex responsible for nitrogen fixation. Turns out, an H₂ molecule is included in the reaction because researchers observed this molecule every time the reaction occurred. Researchers are currently using kinetic studies and x-ray crystallography to determine the exact mechanism of this enzyme.