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Microbiol. Rev., Mar 1995, 124-142, Vol 59, No. 1
P van Rhijn and J Vanderleyden
Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Azorhizobium species are able to elicit the
formation of unique structures, called nodules, on the roots or stems of
the leguminous host. In these nodules, the rhizobia convert atmospheric N2
into ammonia for the plant. To establish this symbiosis, signals are
produced early in the interaction between plant and rhizobia and they
elicit discrete responses by the two symbiotic partners. First,
transcription of the bacterial nodulation (nod) genes is under control of
the NodD regulatory protein, which is activated by specific plant signals,
flavonoids, present in the root exudates. In return, the nod-encoded
enzymes are involved in the synthesis and excretion of specific
lipooligosaccharides, which are able to trigger on the host plant the
organogenic program leading to the formation of nodules. An overview of the
organization, regulation, and function of the nod genes and their
participation in the determination of the host specificity is presented.
Copyright © 1995, American Society for Microbiology
The Rhizobium-plant symbiosis
F.A. Janssens Laboratory of Genetics, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium.
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