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Dinitrogen fixation by obligate and facultative anaerobic bacteria in association with cellulolytic fungi

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Abstract

The anaerobic bacteriumClostridium butyricum is the major contributor to nitrogen gains by a cellulolytic/nitrogen-fixing population isolated from straw. Growth of the anaerobe is supported by the products of fungal cellulases. The facultative anaerobeEnterobacter cloacae does not make a significant direct contribution to nitrogen fixation but in association withC. butyricum allows the anaerobe to grow under “aerobic” conditions. The major function ofE. cloacae is though to be provision of oxygen-depleted microsites.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts, UK

    Stephen H. T. Harper

  2. Glasshouse Crops Research Institute, BN17 6LP, Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK

    James M. Lynch

Authors
  1. Stephen H. T. Harper
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  2. James M. Lynch
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Harper, S.H.T., Lynch, J.M. Dinitrogen fixation by obligate and facultative anaerobic bacteria in association with cellulolytic fungi. Current Microbiology 14, 127–131 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01568363

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01568363

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