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How rhizobial symbionts invade plants: the Sinorhizobium-Medicago model.
- Source :
-
Nature reviews. Microbiology [Nat Rev Microbiol] 2007 Aug; Vol. 5 (8), pp. 619-33. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Nitrogen-fixing rhizobial bacteria and leguminous plants have evolved complex signal exchange mechanisms that allow a specific bacterial species to induce its host plant to form invasion structures through which the bacteria can enter the plant root. Once the bacteria have been endocytosed within a host-membrane-bound compartment by root cells, the bacteria differentiate into a new form that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Bacterial differentiation and nitrogen fixation are dependent on the microaerobic environment and other support factors provided by the plant. In return, the plant receives nitrogen from the bacteria, which allows it to grow in the absence of an external nitrogen source. Here, we review recent discoveries about the mutual recognition process that allows the model rhizobial symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti to invade and differentiate inside its host plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and the model host plant barrel medic (Medicago truncatula).
- Subjects :
- Bacterial Proteins genetics
Bacterial Proteins metabolism
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Models, Biological
Plant Proteins genetics
Plant Proteins metabolism
Sinorhizobium meliloti genetics
Medicago sativa microbiology
Medicago truncatula microbiology
Plant Roots microbiology
Root Nodules, Plant microbiology
Signal Transduction
Sinorhizobium meliloti physiology
Symbiosis
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1740-1534
- Volume :
- 5
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nature reviews. Microbiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 17632573
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1705