Electron-microscope Studies of Nodule Development in Some Clover Species

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Abstract
In this account of the fine structure of a nitrogen-fixing clover nodule the interactions between host and bacteria have been particularly considered. It is suggested that the bacterial infection is located between the paired membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, i.e. within the intrareticular space. It is shown that the plant membrane around the infection thread is continuous with the plasmalemma, but that it is fragmentary around the thread tip. Bacteria emerging from the infection thread remain surrounded by a plant membrane, and their subsequent fate (division or rapid swelling) is controlled by the condition of the host cytoplasm. Structural changes occurring in the cytoplasm, nuclear region and wall of emerged bacteria during their transition to the bacteroid form are described, and the development of peripheral carbohydrate platelets in the host cell is illustrated. Supporting observations on 2 types of ineffective nodules are discussed.

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