Which term describes plants that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots to provide nitrates?

Which term describes plants that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots to provide nitrates?

• A. Nitrates
• B. Bacteria
• C. Legumes
• D. Roots

Answer: (C)

Legumes are plants that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria take nitrogen from the air and convert it into nitrates or ammonia that the plant can use for growth. This partnership boosts the plant’s nitrogen supply and also enriches the surrounding soil, which is why legumes are often used in crop rotations to improve soil fertility. The other options don’t describe a plant group with this root-based nitrogen-fixing ability: nitrates are a nitrogen compound, bacteria are the microbes involved, and roots are just a part of the plant.

Legumes are plants that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria take nitrogen from the air and convert it into nitrates or ammonia that the plant can use for growth. This partnership boosts the plant’s nitrogen supply and also enriches the surrounding soil, which is why legumes are often used in crop rotations to improve soil fertility. The other options don’t describe a plant group with this root-based nitrogen-fixing ability: nitrates are a nitrogen compound, bacteria are the microbes involved, and roots are just a part of the plant.