Question

Is Beijerinckia a free-living nitrogen-fixing microbe?

Answer 1

Free-living means these organisms do not depend on other organisms for resources like food, minerals, etc.

Nitrogen fixation:

1. It is the process by which the molecular nitrogen present in the atmosphere is converted into other compounds that can be utilized by plants.
2. When this process is carried out by living microorganisms it is known as biological nitrogen fixation.
3. These organisms can either be in a free-living state and convert nitrogen on their own in special cells known as heterocysts like Beijerinckia.
4. These organisms can form symbiotic associations with other organisms like Rhizobium with leguminous plants to fix nitrogen.
5. Some like Frankia form symbiotic associations with non-leguminous plants for nitrogen fixation.

Yes, Beijerinckia is a free-living nitrogen-fixing microbe