The alpha chain is the actual site of nitrate reduction. a quinol + nitrate = a quinone + H2O + nitrite Binds 1 [4Fe-4S] cluster per subunit. Binds 1 molybdenum-bis(molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide) (Mo-bis-MGD) cofactor per subunit. Belongs to the prokaryotic molybdopterin-containing oxidoreductase family.