Q. 1. What are six major areas into which genetic research has been focused to augment plant growth-promoting activity of bacterial strains?

2. What is the general name for the group of bacteria that fix nitrogen in the nodules of legumes? What is the commonly used assay for nitrogenase?

3. Clarify a protocol for isolating nif genes from an appropriate bacterial species.

4. Why can altering glycogen synthase activity "improve" a bacterial strain used for the symbiotic fixation of nitrogen? Elucidate logic and provide a protocol.

5. Why can altering intracellular oxygen levels "improve" a bacterial strain used for the symbiotic fixation of nitrogen? Explain logic and explain a protocol.

6. What is hydrogenase? How can this enzyme be used as part of a strategy to "improve" a Rhizobial strain used to inoculate legumes? Describe logic and provide the appropriate diagram.