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Rhizobial lipo-oligosaccharides: answers and questions

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Abstract

Rhizobium bacteria produce certain lipo-oligosaccharides (modified chitin oligomers) after induction of nodulation (nod) gene transcription by the host plant. The function of the rhizobial nod genes in the biosynthesis of these lipo-oligosaccharides, focusing on their host specific aspects, is discussed. The lipo-oligosaccharides can elicit various responses in the host plants, like the formation of pre-infection threads and nodule meristems. Speculating on their function in plant morphogenesis the question is raised: do the rhizobial lipo-oligosaccharides resemble unknown plant signal molecules?

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  1. Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, Leiden University, Nonnensteeg 3, 2311 VJ, Leiden, Netherlands

    Herman P. Spaink

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Spaink, H.P. Rhizobial lipo-oligosaccharides: answers and questions. Plant Mol Biol 20, 977–986 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00027167

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