34.19
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
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Q1: Why can't plants use atmospheric nitrogen directly?
Plants lack the molecular machinery to convert atmospheric nitrogen into biologically useful forms. Instead, soil-dwelling bacteria perform nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia and then ammonium. Plants can then absorb these converted forms to synthesize proteins and nucleic acids essential for growth and function.
Q2: What is the relationship between rhizobia bacteria and legume plants?
In legumes like peas and beans, rhizobia bacteria live in specialized root structures called nodules in a symbiotic relationship. The bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it bioavailable to the plant, while the legume provides critical nutrients to the bacteria in return, creating mutual benefit.
Q3: How do mycorrhizae fungi help plants acquire nutrients?
Mycorrhizae fungi access soil nutrient stores that would otherwise be unavailable to plants, facilitating acquisition of phosphate, copper, and zinc. These fungi also function as physical barriers against pathogens and produce antibiotics for plant protection. In exchange, fungi receive nutrition from the plant.
Q4: What protective functions do rhizobacteria provide to plants?
Rhizobacteria protect plants by producing antibiotics that defend against pathogens and by absorbing toxic metals and unwanted chemicals from the soil. These prokaryotes live in association with plant roots and receive nutrition from the plant while providing multiple forms of support for plant health and survival.
Q5: How do bacteria convert ammonia into a form plants can use?
During nitrification, a two-step bacterial process, ammonia is converted to nitrate. Both nitrate and ammonium can be taken up and used by plants. This conversion is critical because plants require these specific nitrogen forms to synthesize essential proteins and nucleic acids for growth.
Q6: What nutrients do plants provide to soil bacteria in exchange for nitrogen fixation?
Plants provide soil bacteria with carbohydrates, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Nitrogen fixation requires large amounts of ATP that bacteria derive from these plant-provided carbohydrates. This nutrient exchange sustains the symbiotic relationship between plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil.
Q7: What are the differences between ectomycorrhizae and arbuscular mycorrhizae?
Ectomycorrhizae cover plant roots externally and help absorb water and minerals from the soil. Arbuscular mycorrhizae are embedded within root tissue, with branching fungal filaments called hyphae increasing contact between plant cells and fungal structures. Both types enhance nutrient and water acquisition for the plant.