1. Synthesis of an opine-like compound, a rhizopine, in alfalfa nodules is symbiotically regulated.
- Author
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Murphy PJ, Heycke N, Trenz SP, Ratet P, de Bruijn FJ, and Schell J
- Subjects
- Base Sequence, Chromosome Deletion, Medicago sativa genetics, Molecular Sequence Data, Plasmids, Symbiosis, Bacterial Proteins biosynthesis, Genes, Genes, Bacterial, Nitrogen Fixation genetics, Plants genetics, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Rhizobium genetics
- Abstract
We show that the promoter of the mos locus, which encodes genes required for the synthesis of a nodule-specific, opine-like compound, a rhizopine, in alfalfa nodules is regulated by the symbiotic nitrogen-fixation regulatory gene nifA. The 5'-regulatory region and amino-terminal end of the first open reading frame of the mos locus are highly homologous to the 5'-regulatory region and amino-terminal portion of the Rhizobium meliloti nifH gene. The coordinate regulation of mos and nif genes suggests that the mos locus plays a symbiotic role. We propose that the rhizopine enhances the survival of the bacterial partner in the symbiosis.
- Published
- 1988
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