Dirtland

Rhizobia on Root Hair Tip

Click here to see a JPEG of this microbe.

Kingdom: Eubacteria
Scientific Name: Rhizobium trifolii
Image Courtesy of: Dazzo, Frank
Image Width: 12 microns
Image Technology: SEM

The large object in the center of this view is the tip of a clover root hair. The cylinder-shaped creatures on the top of the root tip are rhizobia, bacteria that live in a symbiotic relationship with the clover. The rhizobia shown here are clustered on the surface of the root. Soon they will start to invade the roots and begin a symbiotic partnership that will benefit both organisms.