What is the Difference Between Azotobacter and Azospirillum?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Azotobacter and Azospirillum are two genera of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that play important roles in plant growth. They are both gram-negative, free-living bacteria, but they have some key differences:
- Oxygen Requirements: Azotobacter is an aerobic bacterium that requires high oxygen concentrations to function, while Azospirillum is microaerophilic and can survive in low oxygen conditions.
- Habitat: Azotobacter is a soil-dwelling bacteria, while Azospirillum is a surface-colonizing bacteria.
- Shape: Azotobacter has an oval or spherical shape, whereas Azospirillum is rod-shaped.
- Cyst Formation: Azotobacter forms cysts for survival under harsh conditions, while Azospirillum does not form cysts.
- Growing Temperature: Azospirillum grows at temperatures ranging from 5°C to 42°C, while Azotobacter grows at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
Despite these differences, both Azotobacter and Azospirillum share some similarities:
- Both are nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- Both are motile.
- Both are gram-negative and free-living.
In summary, while both Azotobacter and Azospirillum are important for nitrogen fixation and plant growth, they differ in their oxygen requirements, habitat, shape, cyst formation, and temperature ranges for growth.
Comparative Table: Azotobacter vs Azospirillum
Here is a table comparing the differences between Azotobacter and Azospirillum:
Feature | Azotobacter | Azospirillum |
---|---|---|
Oxygen Requirement | Aerobic | Microaerophilic |
Soil Presence | Soil-dwelling | Surface-colonizing |
Shape | Spherical | Rod-shaped |
Family | Pseudomonadaceae/Azotobacteraceae | Rhodospirillaceae |
Symbiotic Relationship | Free-living bacteria | Present in associative symbiosis in plant roots |
Nitrogen Fixation Mechanism | Converts atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, which is then absorbed and utilized by plants | Utilizes expelled nutrients to promote plant development by nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere |
Both Azotobacter and Azospirillum are nitrogen-fixing bacteria that promote plant growth. They are gram-negative and free-living, but they differ in their oxygen requirements, soil presence, and symbiotic relationships with plants.
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