A Role for poly-β -hydroxybutyrate in Bacteroids of Soybean Root Nodules
Abstract
The concentrations of poly-β -hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and of total β -hydroxybutyrate (total HB = PHB + non-polymeric forms) were determined in bacteroids prepared from root nodules of field- and glasshouse-grown soybeans. Results showed that PHB was utilized during darkness, when bacteroids were deprived of host-stored energy sources. Deprivation was induced by stem-girdling or by competition from rapidly growing seeds. It is proposed that utilization of PHB sustains the O2 demand of the bacteroids during darkness, thus contributing to preservation of nodule activity and the continuation of N2 fixation at high rates until the last stages of seed development.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B
- Pub Date:
- July 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991RSPSB.245...59B