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Nature 417, 910-911 (27 June 2002) | doi:10.1038/417910a

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Plant–microbe interactions: A receptor in symbiotic dialogue

Herman P. Spaink

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Proteins that help plants connect with symbiotic microbes have been identified. These proteins are related to receptors in animals and plants that function in the innate immune system and organ development.

Many plants can grow on soils that are poor in nutrients, and they do so by forming symbiotic associations with microbes. These associations require a molecular dialogue between the two partners.