‘Diazotrophs’ is a term used for which of the following?a)Bacteria th...
Definition of Diazotrophs:
Diazotrophs are a group of bacteria that have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen gas into a more usable form. They play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrogen gas into ammonia, which can be utilized by plants for growth and development.
Role of Diazotrophs:
- Diazotrophs are essential for maintaining soil fertility as they provide a natural source of nitrogen for plants.
- They form a symbiotic relationship with certain plants, such as legumes, by colonizing their roots and providing them with fixed nitrogen.
- Diazotrophs are also important in agricultural practices as they help reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can have negative environmental consequences.
Examples of Diazotrophs:
- Some examples of diazotrophs include species of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and Azospirillum. These bacteria are commonly found in the soil and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems.
In conclusion, diazotrophs are a group of bacteria that are essential for nitrogen fixation in the environment. Their ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into a more usable form benefits plants, agriculture, and the overall ecosystem.
‘Diazotrophs’ is a term used for which of the following?a)Bacteria th...
‘Diazotrophs’ are bacteria and archaea (single celled organisms) that fix atmospheric nitrogen gas into a more usable form such as ‘ammonia’. A diazotroph is a microorganism that is able to grow without external sources of fixed nitrogen. Diazotrophs can be divided into two types: Free living diazotrophs - Cyanobacteria - generate oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis, yet some are able to fix nitrogen as well. Eg. - Anabaena cylindrica andNostoc commune. Marine cyanobacteria, such as Trichodesmium and Cyanothece, are major contributors to oceanic nitrogen fixation. Anaerobes - Example - Clostridium. Other examples include Sulphate-reducing bacteria found in ocean sediments (e.g. Desulfovibrio), and some Archean methanogens, like Methanococcus, fix nitrogen in muds, animal intestines and anoxic soils. Symbiotic diazotrophs - Rhizobia—these are the species that associate with legumes, Frankias—much less is known about these 'actinorhizal' nitrogen fixers. The bacteria also infect the roots leading to the formation of nodules. Association with animals - Shipworms may be the only species that derive significant benefit from their gut symbionts. In terms of generating nitrogen available to all organisms, the symbiotic associations greatly exceed the free-living species with the exception of cyanobacteria.