New Antibiotic discovered in Mexican forests
The properties of newly discovered antibiotic have specific application in agriculture greatly. It is a soil bacterium and is known as “phazolicin”. This compound was unknown previously and was recently isolated in the tropical rain forests of Mexico.
The antibiotic is found in the root nodules of wild beans. They have their application both in medicine and agriculture. This antibiotic is fixed in the nodules by the symbiotic soil bacterium.
The antibiotic is a peptide. These peptides can bind to the ribosomes of the bacteria and are capable of messing with the protein synthesis.
Symbiotic Soil Bacterium
Nitrogen is the most commonly deficient nutrient in the soil. The plants cannot consume nitrogen directly from the atmosphere. However, it is highly essential nutrient for their growth. Plants absorb nitrates from the soil.
The Symbiotic Soil Bacterium infects the roots of leguminous plants and produce nodules. At these nodules, they fix nitrogen from the atmosphere in the form of nitrates and nitrites. Nitrates and nitrites are the absorb-able form of nitrogen for plants. The bacteria in turn receives food and shelter from the plant.
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Month: Current Affairs - October, 2019