Editing Nod factor (section)

{{short description|Signaling molecule}}
[[Image:NodSm-IV (Ac,C16-2,S).svg|right|thumb|300px|The structure of the major Nod factor produced by ''[[Sinorhizobium meliloti]]''.]]
'''Nod factors''' ('''nodulation factors''' or '''NF'''), are [[signaling molecule]]s produced by [[Soil microbiology|soil bacteria]] known as [[rhizobia]] in response to flavonoid exudation from plants under nitrogen limited conditions. Nod factors initiate the establishment of a symbiotic relationship between legumes and rhizobia by inducing [[Root nodule|nodulation.]] Nod factors produce the differentiation of plant tissue in root hairs into nodules where the bacteria reside and are able to [[Nitrogen fixation|fix nitrogen]] from the atmosphere for the plant in exchange for photosynthates and the appropriate environment for nitrogen fixation.<ref>''Stambulska, U.Y. and Bayliak, M.M., 2020. Legume-Rhizobium Symbiosis: Secondary Metabolites, Free Radical Processes, and Effects of Heavy Metals. Co-Evolution of Secondary Metabolites, pp.291-322.''</ref> One of the most important features provided by the plant in this symbiosis is the production of [[leghemoglobin]], which maintains the oxygen concentration low and prevents the inhibition of [[nitrogenase]] activity.