Understanding Types of Symbiotic Relationships in Microbiology

Q1. Wood-eating termites depend on a protozoa which lives in their intestines to digest cellulose. Which type of symbiosis does this represent?

Background

Topic: Symbiotic Relationships in Microbiology

This question tests your understanding of the different types of symbiotic relationships that can occur between microorganisms and other organisms. In microbiology, symbiosis refers to the close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Mutualism: Both organisms benefit from the relationship.

• Commensalism: One organism benefits, while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

• Amensalism: One organism is harmed, while the other is unaffected.

• Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of the other, which is harmed.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Identify the two organisms involved: termites and protozoa living in the termite's intestines.

2. Consider what each organism gains or loses from the relationship. Ask yourself: Does the termite benefit from the protozoa? Does the protozoa benefit from living in the termite?

3. Recall that termites eat wood, which contains cellulose. Termites cannot digest cellulose on their own, but the protozoa in their intestines can break it down, making nutrients available to the termite.

4. Think about what the protozoa receive in return. Living in the termite's gut provides them with a constant supply of food (cellulose) and a protected environment.

5. Based on the definitions above, determine which type of symbiotic relationship involves both organisms benefiting from the association.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: Mutualism

This relationship is an example of mutualism because both the termite and the protozoa benefit. The termite gains the ability to digest cellulose (thanks to the protozoa), and the protozoa receive food and shelter inside the termite's gut.