Scanning electron micrograph of a section of root nodule of a garden pea, Pisum sativum. Two cell types are visible, about 40 microns in size. The red cells contain a network of membranes filled with bacteroids of Rhizobium leguminosarum. The pale yellow cells with cross walls act as a sponge that extends to the outer surface of the nodule, allowing air from the surrounding soil to reach the cells containing the bacteroids. The bacteroids, using a haem protein - leghaemoglobin - fix the atmospheric nitrogen to produce ammonium salts. This is an example of mutualism, or symbiosis. The bacterium gains a sequestered environment and products of photosynthesis from the plant, and the plant uses the fixed nitrogen for its growth. Globally, nitrogen fixation by micro-organisms produces about three times more fertiliser"" - 150-200m tonnes/yr - than the entire world chemical industry." | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Taille de l’image : | 3468 px × 5212 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |