Characteristics of bacteroids in indeterminate nodules of the leguminous tree Leucaena glauca

Microbes Environ. 2011;26(2):156-9. doi: 10.1264/jsme2.me11104. Epub 2011 Mar 25.

Abstract

Rhizobia establish symbiosis with legumes. Bacteroids in indeterminate nodules of Inverted Repeat Lacking Clade (IRLC) legumes undergo terminal differentiation caused by Nodule-specific Cysteine-Rich peptides (NCRs). Microscopic observations of bacteroids and the detection of NCRs in indeterminate nodules of the non-IRLC legume Leucaena glauca were performed. A portion of the bacteroids showed moderate cell elongation, loss of membrane integrity, and multiple nucleoids. The symbiosome contained multiple bacteroids and NCR-like peptides were not detectable. These results indicate that bacteroid differentiation in L. glauca is different from that in IRLC legumes although both hosts form indeterminate nodules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bradyrhizobium / physiology*
  • Fabaceae / cytology
  • Fabaceae / microbiology*
  • Root Nodules, Plant / growth & development
  • Root Nodules, Plant / microbiology*
  • Symbiosis