Biological Nitrogen Fixation

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about Biological Nitrogen Fixation.

Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF)

The conversion of N2 gas to Ammonia.

Nif genes

A cluster of genes required for Biological Nitrogen Fixation.

Symbiotic BNF

Bacteria collectively referred to as Rhizobia that form a symbiotic relationship with legumes.

Nod factors

Specific biochemical interactions that allow legumes to distinguish rhizobia from other bacteria.

Nodule

The environment where N-Fixing Rhizobia reside, facilitating nitrogen fixation.

Bacteroids

N-Fixing Rhizobia in nodules, surrounded by a membrane impermeable to oxygen.

Nitrogenase

Enzyme that catalyses the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to plant-available forms.

Haber-Bosch process

Process used for synthetic nitrogen fixation, requiring high temperatures and pressures.

Nitrogen regulation of nodulation

Molecular mechanisms legumes use to control the symbiosis based on nitrogen availability.

Autoregulation of Nodulation

The plant's method of controlling the number of nodules formed.

NARK receptor

A receptor involved in Autoregulation of Nodulation

NARK gene mutations

Gene mutations that can cause a beneficial symbiosis to become parasitic.

Mycorrhizae

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have enzymes and acids that are secreted to solubilise phosphate

Phyllosphere Microbiome

The microbial community associated with the plant surface.

Rhizosphere Microbiome

The microbial community associated with the soil surrounding the roots.