Question

How is the plant benefited by the bacteria which takes shelter in the root of the plants?

• A. The bacteria fixes the nitrogen for the plant.
• B. The bacteria protects the plant from pathogens.
• C. Both A and B
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The bacteria fixes the nitrogen for the plant.

Nitrogen is present in abundance in the atmosphere but the plant cannot absorb atmospheric nitrogen. Plants get nitrogen from the soil. Certain types of bacteria called Rhizobium present in the soil take shelter in the root of the plants. They convert gaseous nitrogen into a usable form and release it for the plants. Plants absorb these soluble forms of nitrogen along with water and other minerals.

This type of nitrogen fixation is observed in plants like peas, moong, beans, and other legumes. By this process, both bacteria and plants get benefited mutually.

So, the answer is A.