Respiratory Enzyme Systems in Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation

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Abstract
A technique is presented for the prepn. of suspensions of bacteria from the root nodules of legumes. The activity of the organisms freshly separated from nodules ("nodular" organisms) was compared with the activity of the same strains grown on laboratory media ("cultured" organisms). No consistent differences were found between the response of nodular and cultured organisms to various substrates, and to several inhibitors, including cyanide, ethyl urethane, iodoacetate, pyro-phosphate, malonate, and maleate. Some differences were found in the response of nodular and cultured organisms of peas and vetch to azide and of cowpea strain 602 to fluoride. The maximum rate of respiration of Rhizobium legumino-sarum 317 from pea and vetch nodules, and of R. japonicum 505 from soybean nodules was reached at a lower oxygen tension than that required for the same strains of cultured organisms. The reverse was true with cowpea strain 602.

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