The Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Azorhizobium NodC proteins are homologous to yeast chitin synthases.

The nodABC genes of rhizobia are essential for the synthesis of lipo-oligosaccharidic (N-acylated chitin oligomers) nodulation signals. nodC gene products from Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Azorhizobium exhibit extensive homology with chitin synthases, suggesting that the NodC proteins are involved in the synthesis of the chitin oligomer backbone by catalyzing the beta-1,4-linkage between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues.