• Question: apart from rhizobia are there any other bacteria that help plants?

    Asked by wookiee to Amelia, Izzy on 20 Mar 2014.
    • Photo: Isabel Webb

      Isabel Webb answered on 20 Mar 2014:


      Plants can use bacteria to help defend them against other infection and disease!

      For example, there is a bacteria that grows on ant bodies. This bacteria makes antibiotics that kill other diseases that might infect the plants. In return, the plant provides a home for the ants, and allows the ants to eat some of it in return. This system is a great system for understanding how bacteria and plants might evolve together.

      There are also other bacteria that live in the roots and feed off food that leaks out of the roots. In return for this food they prevent other bacteria attacking the root.

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