Mutualistic Relationship Between Flagellates and Termites
Are there specific flagellates that live within termites that have a rod-shaped flagellum that aids in their motility in microbes?
Microbes known as flagellates have a flagellum, which is fashioned like a rod and is used for propulsion. Several flagellates are housed within termites. The termites can digest cellulose using these flagellates' enzymes, which aids in their survival. These flagellates in turn receive food from the termites.
Which of the following statements concerning the relationship between bacteria and termites can be true?
Mutualism describes the interaction between termites and bacteria since both species gain from it.
What kind of movement do flagellates engage in?
Flagellar locomotion can take the form of three-dimensional waves, oar-like beating, or planar waves. Contraction waves pass from the base to the tip of the flagellum or in the opposite direction to cause forward or backward movement in all three of these types of flagellar locomotion.
B. The flagellates and termites share an obligate mutualistic association.
Flagellates are microbes with rod-shaped flagellum that aid in their locomotion. Certain flagellates reside inside termites and provide enzymes for the termites to digest cellulose, helping in the survival of both species. The termites provide nourishment to the flagellates. Termite survival depends on cellulose, while flagellates obtain nutrition solely from termites.
The relationship between flagellates and termites can be described as an obligate mutualistic association. This means that both species are dependent on each other for survival, and the relationship is beneficial for both parties. Without the flagellates, the termites would struggle to digest cellulose, and without the termites, the flagellates would lack a source of nutrition. This mutual dependency highlights the importance of their relationship in the ecosystem.
The movement of flagellates involves various techniques such as three-dimensional waves, oar-like beating, or planar waves. These movements are facilitated by the flagellum, which helps propel the microbes forward or backward. Understanding the motility of flagellates is essential in comprehending their role within the termite colony and how they contribute to the overall ecosystem.