The ropAe gene encodes a porin-like protein involved in copper transit in Rhizobium etli CFN42.

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for all aerobic forms of life. Its oxidation states (Cu /Cu ) make this metal an important cofactor of enzymes catalyzing redox reactions in essential biological processes. In gram-negative bacteria, Cu uptake is an unexplored component of a finely regulated trafficking network, mediated by protein-protein interactions that deliver Cu to target proteins and efflux surplus metal to avoid toxicity.

Complete Genome Sequences of Three Symbionts Associated with Common Bean ().

The whole-genome sequences of three strains of reported here support the concept that the distinct nodulation host ranges displayed by the symbiovars gallicum and phaseoli can be largely explained by different symbiotic plasmids.