After mutagenesis, the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti could no longer colonize Medicago truncatula plants. This inability to colonize was due to the absence of recognition by the host plant. Which of the following genes is most likely the site of the mutation in these bacteria?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nod factors are a type of signaling molecule produced by nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Sinorhizobium meliloti to signal to their host plants to initiate a symbiotic relationship. If there is a mutation in the gene responsible for synthesizing Nod factors, the bacterium would no longer be recognized by the plant and would be unable to colonize it.

After Mutagenesis, the Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Sinorhizobium Meliloti Could No Longer