Role of pectic and cellulolytic enzymes in the invasion of the soybean by Rhizobium japonicum.

Past workers have suggested pectic enzyme involvement in the invasion of legumes by Rhizobium. However, no role for pectic acid, pectin, or methyl cellulose depolymerase enzymes in the invasion of R. japonicum was suggested by the current study. Seedling inoculation with infective bacteria did not result in increased enzyme activity. Rhizobium japonicum cell-free culture extracts and 3-indoleacetic acid did not affect the activation, induction, or binding of these enzymes.