Nodule Development in Legumes—The Early Stages: Involvement of Early Nodulins, Lectins, and Other Proteins

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) nodules, like other indeterminate or cylindrical nodules, develop from the de novo initiation of cell divisions in the already differentiated cells of the inner root cortex. In contrast, determinate or spherical nodules, like Lotus or soybean (Glycine max L.) originate from cell divisions in the outer root cortex. In both cases, cell divisions are initiated soon after inoculation with (Brady)Rhizobium or after treatment with Nod factor. In indeterminate nodules, a nodule primordium develops within the inner root cortex and a nodule meristem is secondarily established along its periphery. The nodule meristem serves as the source of the various tissues in the nodule. In determinate nodules, the nodule primordia cells divide, and then differentiate into their final state, thereby forming the nodule tissues.KeywordsSomatic EmbryogenesisNodule DevelopmentLectin GeneAuxin Transport InhibitorAntisense PlantThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.