Understanding Plant and Bacteria Relationship through Bacterial Genes

Spanish researcher, Martha Trujillo Toledo from University of Salamanca, led a study focusing on the interactions between plant and microorganisms. The study involves identifying species of Micromonospora and genes involved in plant interaction. The study was conducted to understand how the interaction works between plant and bacteria.

"What we do know is that it is able to penetrate the tissues of the plant and promote its growth, which increases between 25 and 35 percent. Moreover, the organism belongs to the actinobacterias group, which is one of the largest producers of antibiotics and other substances. Here, we discovered that one of our strains produced antitumor molecules, so it might have an important biotechnological application," said Toledo. 

Molecular studies were done to identify the bacterial genes that are necessary in plant interaction. These studies revealed that there are almost 200 genes that have the ability to encode enzymes that can damage plant tissue, which is unusual for bacteria found in plants which promote protection and growth. Researchers of the study hope that this finding will help in improving and developing legumes for increased production.

More details of the story at:  http://www.invdes.com.mx/ciencia-mobil/5810-revoluciona-mexicana-en-espana-interaccion-entre-plantas-y-bacterias