Transport and storage of iron in nitrogen fixing legume nodules

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation occurs in nodules on legume roots, which contain bacteria (rhizobia) that convert atmospheric N2 to ammonia which is then supplied to the plant. This process enables legumes to grow without application of expensive N fertilizer, avoiding environmental problems with run-off. Within the nodules, rhizobia are housed inside specialised infected cells and bathed in hemoglobin. These cells import and store large quantities of iron which is essential for the sumbiosis. This project aims to identify the mechanisms by which iron is acquired and compartmentilised in these cells. The outcome will be improved knowledge of an agriculturally important process.