Question

(microbiology) define/explain the major types of symbioses in which microorganisms engage. give exakples that explaijnrhe advantages and disadvantages for the symbiotic partners

Answer 1

Symbiosis is the term used to describe the partnership between organisms. It can be positive or negative interaction. There are three types of symbiosis-

1.Mutualism is an obligatory, positive, interspecific interaction in which both the interacting partners are strongly benefited from each other.

Ex: rhizobia, bacteria which live on the root nodules of legumes convert nitrogen to ammonia, which is utilized by plants

2.Commensalism:

Commensalism is an interaction between two organisms in which one partner derives the benefit from the association, while the other associate are neither benefited nor harmed. An association that is beneficial only to the microbe and the host is unaffected

Ex: Bacterias which feed on human dead skin. They live on human but they donot harm human.

3.Parasitism

Parasitism is a negative harmful interaction between two species where one species called parasite receives benefit from other species called host. Relationship in which an organism feeds on a host

Some parasitic vascular plants such as cuscuta (dodder) are total stem parasites and grows on other plants on which they depend on nourishment

Example- Plasmodia, protozoan which causes malaria.