What are nitrogen-fixing bacteria and explain symbiotic nitrogen fixation?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for information about nitrogen-fixing bacteria and wants an explanation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, which involves the relationship between these bacteria and plants, particularly legumes.
Answer
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable ammonia within root nodules of host plants.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are microorganisms that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, such as ammonia. In symbiotic nitrogen fixation, these bacteria invade the root hairs of host plants, causing the formation of root nodules where they convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which the plants then use for growth.
Answer for screen readers
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are microorganisms that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, such as ammonia. In symbiotic nitrogen fixation, these bacteria invade the root hairs of host plants, causing the formation of root nodules where they convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which the plants then use for growth.
More Information
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, establish symbiotic relationships primarily with legumes, enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Tips
Common mistakes include thinking all plants can form these symbiotic relationships and overlooking the specific role of the bacteria in forming root nodules.
Sources
- The web page with info on - Britannica - britannica.com
- Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation and the Challenges to Its Extension - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Biological Nitrogen Fixation | Nature - nature.com
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