The nodI gene product of Rhizobium leguminosarum is closely related to ATP-binding bacterial transport proteins; nucleotide sequence analysis of the nodI and nodJ genes.

The nucleotide sequence of a 2-kb fragment immediately downstream of the nodABC genes of the Rhizobium leguminosarum symbiotic plasmid pRL1JI has been determined. Genes corresponding to the two open reading frames identified are named nodI and nodJ. Tn 5 insertions into these genes result in a "nodulation-delayed" phenotype. The predicted amino acid sequence of the nodI gene shows considerable homology to inner-membrane-located gene products involved in active transport systems in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The predicted product of the nodJ gene is very hydrophobic, suggesting that it may be an integral membrane protein.