Open AccessAnnotation of the pRhico plasmid of Azospirillum brasilense reveals its role in determining the outer surface composition
Author(s) -
Vanbleu Els,
Marchal Kathleen,
Lambrecht Mark,
Mathys Janick,
Vanderleyden Jos
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1016/s0378-1097(04)00046-1
Subject(s) - azospirillum brasilense , plasmid , biology , microbial inoculant , in silico , gene , bacteria , genome , rhizobacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , rhizosphere
The plant growth‐promoting soil bacterium Azospirillum brasilense enhances growth of economically important crops, such as wheat, corn and rice. In order to improve plant growth, a close bacterial association with the plant roots is needed. Genes encoded on a 90‐MDa plasmid, denoted pRhico plasmid, present in A. brasilense Sp7, play an important role in plant root interaction. Sequencing, annotation and in silico analysis of this 90‐MDa plasmid revealed the presence of a large collection of genes encoding enzymes involved in surface polysaccharide biosynthesis. Analysis of the 90‐MDa plasmid genome provided evidence for its essential role in the viability of the bacterial cell.