title: Molecular basis of the establishment and functioning of a N2-fixing root nodule.
abstract: Compatible interactions between rhizobia and their leguminous host plant(s) culminate in the formation of a new plant organ, the root nodule. Within this structure, the bacteria reduce N2 to NH3 which is then assimilated by the plant. The formation of a N2-fixing nodule requires a continuous process of two-way signalling and cellular recognition between the prokaryote and the plant. Such a process involves the sequential activation and/or repression of host plant- and bacteria-encoded genes. Finally, functioning of a legume-nodule necessitates not only the adaptation of plant and bacterial carbon, nitrogen and oxygen metabolism to an environment allowing N2-fixation to occur, but also requires a tight co-ordination and integration of these plant and bacterial metabolic processes.
authors.affiliation: F.A. Janssens Laboratory of Genetics, Catholic University of Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Michiels
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vanderleyden