Respiration of Leguminous Root Nodules

Abstract

A PREVIOUS communication from one of us (G. B.1) referred to observations on the rate of evolution of respiratory carbon dioxide from leguminous root nodules still attached to the plant. Those observations have been extended and are being published elsewhere. A brief report is presented here of other observations (which will not be continued at present) on detached nodules, made by means of a respirometer designed by one of us (G. F. A.). This apparatus provides concurrent records of oxygen intake and carbon dioxide evolution and is being described in another publication. It is our belief that the only complete figures for the respiratory gaseous exchange of nodules so far published are those of Allison and his collaborators2,3, though recently Wilson4 has recorded observations on oxygen intake. Information concerning respiratory events within the nodule will contribute to an increased understanding of the general metabolism of the nodule, including the process of nitrogen fixation.