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Epiphytic plants are plants that grow on the surface of other plants, such as trees, without drawing nutrients from their host. Instead, they derive moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, or debris accumulating around them. Epiphytes are commonly found in tropical rainforests, where they thrive in the humid environment. Key Characteristics of Epiphytic Plants No Parasitic Behavior : Unlike parasitic plants, epiphytes do not harm their host. They use the host plant only for physical support. Adaptations : Special roots or structures to absorb water and nutrients from the air or surrounding environment. Some have modified leaves (e.g., bromeliads) to catch water and organic material. Examples : Orchids : One of the most well-known groups of epiphytic plants. Ferns : Such as staghorn ferns, which grow on tree trunks. Bromeliads : Including species like Tillandsia (air plants). Mosses...

Frankia bacteria are soil-dwelling, nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes that establish symbiotic relationships with many non-leguminous plants, primarily woody shrubs and trees. Here is a breakdown of their unique morphology:   1. Filamentous Structure:    - Frankia bacteria are filamentous and branched, resembling fungal hyphae. This filamentous structure consists of long chains of cells, allowing them to spread efficiently in soil and form extensive networks.   2. Hyphal Cells:    - Within the filaments, Frankia cells are organized in a series, resembling a chain-like structure. These cells vary in size and can be 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers in diameter. The filaments are often highly branched, a characteristic that helps in colonizing plant roots.   3. Vesicles:    - Frankia forms specialized structures called vesicles under nitrogen-limited conditions. These vesicles are globular, lipid-enclosed structures that contain the nitrogen...

  Certain halophilic (salt-loving) and halotolerant microbes have evolved to survive in saline environments and possess the ability to absorb or adsorb ions like sodium, chloride, or sulfate directly onto their cell surfaces. Here are some key microbial groups that excel in this function:     1. Halophilic Bacteria These bacteria are specially adapted to thrive in high-salinity environments and can manage ion concentrations effectively:     a. Halobacterium spp.    - Type: Extreme halophiles    - Characteristics: Found in hypersaline environments like salt flats, salt lakes, and saline soils.    - Mechanism: They absorb sodium ions to maintain osmotic balance and can also adsorb sodium on their cell surfaces using specialized proteins and negatively charged cell wall components.    - Example: Halobacterium salinarum can manage high sodium concentrations, making it effective in reducing salinity in water. ...

  The morphology of Bradyrhizobium, a slow-growing, nitrogen-fixing bacterium, is characterized by distinct physical features that make it well-suited for symbiosis with legumes. Here are its key morphological characteristics:     1. Shape    - Rod-Shaped (Bacilli): Bradyrhizobium is generally rod-shaped, with cells that are 0.5–1.0 micrometers wide and 1.2–3.0 micrometers long.    - Slightly Curved Rods: The cells may sometimes appear slightly curved or even oval, especially in certain growth phases or when viewed under a microscope.    - Pleomorphic: It can exhibit variable shapes, appearing as irregular rods under different environmental conditions or during symbiosis.     2. Cell Structure    - Gram-Negative: Bradyrhizobium has a gram-negative cell wall, with a thin peptidoglycan layer located between an inner cytoplasmic membrane and an outer lipid-rich membrane.    - Thick Capsule (in Some...

  The morphology of Azospirillum is distinct and adapted for its role as a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, primarily associated with the roots of grasses and other plants. Here are its key morphological characteristics:     1. Shape    - Spiral or Curved Rods: Azospirillum is typically spiral-shaped or curved rod-shaped (vibrioid), with cells ranging from 1–2 micrometers in diameter and 2–3 micrometers in length.    - Pleomorphic: The bacterium can exhibit variations in shape under different growth conditions, appearing as either straight rods or more curved forms.     2. Cell Structure    - Gram-Negative: Azospirillum has a gram-negative cell wall, characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane rich in lipopolysaccharides.    - Capsule Formation: Some strains produce a slimy, polysaccharide-based capsule around their cells, which aids in root attachment and protection.   ...

  Morphology The morphology of Azotobacter is distinct and well-suited for its role as a free-living, nitrogen-fixing bacterium. Here are its key morphological features:     1. Shape    - Large Rods or Oval/Cocci: Azotobacter is generally rod-shaped, but some species may appear oval or spherical (coccoid). The cells are significantly larger than many other soil bacteria, measuring about 1–2 micrometers in diameter and 2–10 micrometers in length.     2. Cell Structure    - Gram-Negative: Like many soil bacteria, Azotobacter has a gram-negative cell wall with a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer lipid-rich membrane.    - Thick Capsule: Azotobacter is often surrounded by a thick, gelatinous capsule composed of polysaccharides. This capsule is essential for protection against desiccation, predation, and adverse soil conditions.     3. Motility    - Motile or Non-Motile:  ...