Uncoupling nitrogenase: catalytic reduction of hydrazine to ammonia by a MoFe protein in the absence of Fe protein-ATP

The catalytic reduction of hydrazine ([N.sub.2][H.sub.4]) to ammonia by a [[beta]-98.sup.Tyr?His] MoFe protein in the absence of the Fe protein or ATP is reported. The [[beta]-98.sup.His] MoFe protein reduction of hydrazine in the absence of the Fe protein which revealed saturation kinetics for the concentration of reductant and substrate have significant implications for understanding the nitrogenase mechanism.