Organization Pattern of Common nod Genes in Mesorhizobium ciceri Strain MC 18-7

The common nodulation genes (nod ABC) are normally present together as a single operon in most rhizobia; however, there are few exceptions. Fast growing Mesorhizobium ciceri strain MC 18-7 was examined for structural organization of the nodABC genes by PCR amplification. Results indicated that in Mesorhizobium ciceri strain MC 18-7 nodA and nodC genes are present together under same nod box, while nodB gene has a separate nod box present immediately upstream to it, just like in its close relative Mesorhizobium loti.