Question

The nodules on the roots of leguminous plant are destroyed. How will it affect the plant? Explain with reason.

Answer 1

The bacterial species are present in the cortical cells of the root of the leguminous plants forming root nodules. This bacterium has the enzyme called as nitrogenase which converts the atmospheric nitrogen to a form which can be used by the plant. If these root nodules are destroyed, then the cells will be killed. This will lower the amount of nitrogen present in the soil and thus, result in the deficiency of nitrogen to the plants. Nitrogen is an important macronutrient for the growth of plants. The deficiency if this nutrient will result in chlorosis and finally death of the plants as important activities like replication are affected.