#5 Rooted in Symbiosis: How Plants and Microbes Work Together - With Tora Fougner-Økland and Jonathan Jelen
Update: 2025-07-03
Description
Notes on the discussed symbioses:
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is a mutualistic association between the roots of most terrestrial plants and fungi from the phylum Glomeromycota. In this relationship, the fungi colonize plant roots and extend their hyphae into the soil, enhancing water and nutrient uptake - particularly phosphorus - while receiving sugars and lipids produced by the plant through photosynthesis. This ancient and widespread symbiosis plays a crucial role in plant health, soil fertility, and ecosystem stability.
- Legume root nodule symbiosis is a mutualistic interaction between leguminous plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, primarily from the genus Rhizobium. The bacteria infect plant roots and form specialized structures called nodules, where they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use for growth. In return, the plant supplies the bacteria with malate and a protective environment. There are some examples where stem nodules are formed. Sesbania for example is a genus of leguminous plants that includes species capable of forming stem nodules - a relatively rare and specialized type of symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
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