Microbiology: Symbiotic Relationships in Microorganism Mutualism

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of protozoa in the mutualistic relationship with termites?

Assisting termites in building their nests

Providing protection for termites from predators

Supplying termites with oxygen for respiration

Breaking down wood molecules for termite absorption (correct)

Why do termites need the protozoa living in their intestines?

To protect them from other insects

To provide heat during cold periods

To break down wood into digestible nutrients (correct)

To help them find food sources

What do the termites offer to the protozoa in return for their assistance?

Protection from predators

A warm and moist environment to live in (correct)

Nutrients derived from photosynthesis

Materials to build their homes

In the mutualistic relationship between termites and protozoa, what would happen to the termites if the protozoa were absent?

They would starve due to inability to digest wood Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of a lichen, as described in the text?

Alga and fungi Signup and view all the answers

How do lichens benefit from their mutualistic relationship with fungi?

By receiving protection against desiccation Signup and view all the answers

What is parasitism in a symbiotic relationship?

Beneficial to the parasite but detrimental to the host Signup and view all the answers

How do 'smart' parasites differ from 'dumb' parasites?

Dumb parasites only take the nutrients they need, while smart parasites cause disease Signup and view all the answers

Which type of symbiotic relationship involves one organism benefiting and the other being harmed?

Parasitism Signup and view all the answers

What can happen when a parasite causes harm to its host?

The parasite must find a new host or die Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a parasite that causes a lethal disease in humans?

Trypanosoma gambiense Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions could a symbiotic relationship shift from one type to another?

Due to a change in environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of commensalism mentioned in the text?

The tiny mite called Demodex Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes a mutualistic relationship?

Both organisms benefit from the relationship Signup and view all the answers

How does Escherichia coli benefit the host in the text?

By producing vitamins like vitamin K for the host Signup and view all the answers

What role do some members of the indigenous microbiota play in the text?

Preventing colonization by pathogens and opportunistic pathogens Signup and view all the answers

In a mutualistic relationship, what happens to both symbionts?

Both benefit from the relationship Signup and view all the answers

Which microorganism mentioned in the text benefits from living within hair follicles and sebaceous glands?

Demodex Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Symbiotic Relationships Involving Microorganism

Commensalism

Demodex, a tiny mite, lives in human hair follicles and sebaceous glands, especially in eyelashes and eyebrows, without harming the host.

Mutualism

Humans have a mutualistic relationship with many microorganisms in their indigenous microbiota.
Escherichia coli, an intestinal bacterium, obtains nutrients from blood materials and produces vitamins (e.g., vitamin K) that benefit the host.
Some indigenous microbiota prevent colonization by pathogens and overgrowth by opportunistic pathogens.
Protozoa in termites' intestines break down wood molecules into absorbable nutrients, and the termite provides food and a warm, moist environment for the protozoa.
Lichens, composed of an alga or cyanobacterium and a fungus, demonstrate mutualism, where the fungus uses energy from the alga's photosynthesis, and the fungal cell walls protect the alga from desiccation.

Parasitism

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship that benefits the parasite and harms the host.
Not all parasites cause disease; some take only the necessary nutrients without harming the host.
"Smart" parasites coexist with their hosts, while "dumb" parasites can kill their hosts and need to find a new host or die.
Certain parasites, like Trypanosoma gambiense, always cause disease and can lead to death, as in African sleeping sickness.

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Description

Explore the concept of symbiotic relationships in microbiology and parasitology, focusing on mutualistic interactions between microorganisms. Learn about the example of protozoa living in the intestine of termites and their role in breaking down wood for termite nutrition.