You are weeding your garden when you accidentally expose some roots of your pea plants, which are legumes like soybeans. You notice swellings (root nodules) on the roots, and there is a reddish tinge to the ones you accidentally damaged. These observations are evidence for which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The swellings or root nodules on the roots of legumes like peas are indicative of a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plant can use, which is beneficial for the plant's growth. The reddish tinge in the damaged nodules is due to the presence of leghemoglobin, a compound that helps regulate oxygen supply to the bacteria, further indicating the presence of these mutualistic bacteria.

You Are Weeding Your Garden When You Accidentally Expose Some