Protection of nitrogenase from photosynthetic O<sub>2</sub> evolution in Trichodesmium: methodological pitfalls and advances over 30 years of research

The Trichodesmium genus comprises some of the most abundant N2-fixing organisms in oligotrophic marine ecosystems. Since nitrogenase, key enzyme for N2 fixation, is irreversibly inhibited upon O2 exposure, these have to coordinate their ability with simultaneous photosynthetic production. Although being principal object many laboratory and field studies, overall process how reconciles two mutually exclusive processes remains unresolved. This part due contradictory results that fuel enigma. In this review, we sift through methodological details could potentially explain discrepancy between findings related Trichodesmium's physiology. doing so, exhaustively contrast studies concerning both spatial temporal nitrogenase protective strategies, particular attention more recent insights. Finally, suggest new experimental approaches solving complex orchestration fixation photosynthesis Trichodesmium.