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What kind of plant has nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in their roots?

1) Leguminous plants
2) Carnivorous plants
3) Aquatic plants
4) Desert plants

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Leguminous plants have nitrogen-fixing bacteria called rhizobia living in their roots, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia for the plant's use, contributing to sustainable agriculture and soil enrichment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The kind of plant that has nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in their roots is known as leguminous plants. These bacteria, specifically called rhizobia, form a mutualistic symbiotic relationship with the roots of legumes such as clovers, peas, beans, and other members of the legume family. The rhizobia bacteria invade the root hairs of legume seedlings and cause the formation of nodules where they live and multiply. Within these nodules, the bacteria convert free nitrogen from the atmosphere into ammonia. This ammonia is then used by the host plant to produce vital amino acids, making legumes a key part of sustainable agricultural practices due to their natural fertilization capabilities.

Leguminous plants like alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, lupins, mesquite, carob, soy, and peanuts have the unique ability to use atmospheric nitrogen, thanks to this relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This process not only benefits the plants themselves by providing an essential nutrient but also enriches the soil and minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

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