Autotrophic Nitrogen Fixing Symbiont in Cycas

Autotrophic nitrogen fixing symbiont refers to a type of organism that can produce its own food and is capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants. Cycas is a genus of gymnosperms that contains species of plants known as cycads. Cycads are known for their symbiotic relationship with a prokaryotic autotrophic nitrogen fixing symbiont known as cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria in Cycads

Cyanobacteria are a type of bacteria that are capable of photosynthesis. They are commonly found in aquatic environments but can also be found in soils and on the surfaces of plants. In the case of cycads, cyanobacteria are found in specialized structures known as coralloid roots. These roots are modified to provide a suitable environment for the cyanobacteria to grow and carry out nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogen fixation refers to the process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a usable form for plants. Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and is required for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids. However, atmospheric nitrogen is not in a form that plants can use. Cyanobacteria are capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which can be used by plants.

Importance of Cyanobacteria in Cycads

Cyanobacteria are important for the growth and survival of cycads. Cycads live in nutrient-poor soils, and nitrogen is often a limiting factor for their growth. The presence of cyanobacteria in coralloid roots allows cycads to access a source of nitrogen that would otherwise be unavailable to them. In return, the cyanobacteria receive protection and a source of carbon from the cycad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cycads have a symbiotic relationship with a prokaryotic autotrophic nitrogen fixing symbiont known as cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are found in specialized structures called coralloid roots, where they carry out nitrogen fixation, providing an essential nutrient for the growth of cycads.