Symbiosis within Alfafa Root Nodule by Luke Elissiry, Undergraduate. Chemistry and Biochemistry
This confocal image depicts a root nodule from an alfalfa plant (Medicago sativa) that is colonized with a symbiotic rhizobia bacteria. This specific bacteria, Sinorhizobium meliloti, fixes atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients for the alfalfa plant. The S. meliloti overexpresses Green Fluorescent Protein (green) and the nodule emits autofluorescence (red). One can see the outline of plant cells as well as the bright green cluster of bacteria within the center of the nodule. This piece illustrates the complex and beautiful interactions between species and demonstrates the concept of symbiosis between domains.
Intersections in Science 