SYMBIOTIC NUTRITION. What is symbiotic nutrition?
Symbiotic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which two organisms of different species called SYMBIONTS live together and derive nutrients or food from each other.
Symbiotic nutrition refers to the mutually beneficial relationship between two different organisms in which they both derive nutritional benefits from each other. This type of nutrition is often seen in the natural world, where it plays a crucial role in the survival and evolution of many different species.
One of the most well-known examples of symbiotic nutrition is the relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhizal fungi attach themselves to the roots of plants, forming a network that allows them to share nutrients and water. In return, the fungi receive carbon compounds from the plant, which they use as a source of energy. This relationship is so important that many plants are unable to survive without their fungal partners.
Another example of symbiotic nutrition can be seen in the gut microbiome of animals. The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live in the digestive tract of animals. These microorganisms help the animal to break down food and absorb nutrients, and in return, they receive a safe place to live and a constant supply of nutrients.
Symbiotic nutrition can also be seen in the relationship between certain insects and bacteria. For example, aphids are known to feed on the sap of plants, which is low in essential amino acids. However, they are able to obtain these amino acids by hosting a bacteria called Buchnera aphidicola in their bodies. The bacteria produce the amino acids that the aphids need, and in return, they receive a safe place to live and a constant supply of nutrients.
The concept of symbiotic nutrition has important implications for agriculture and food production. By understanding the complex relationships between different organisms, we can develop more sustainable and efficient farming practices. For example, by promoting the growth of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil, we can increase the uptake of nutrients by plants and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
In addition, the study of symbiotic nutrition has important implications for human health. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and disruptions to this ecosystem have been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. By understanding the complex interactions between different microorganisms in the gut, we may be able to develop new strategies for promoting gut health and preventing disease.
In conclusion, symbiotic nutrition is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that plays a crucial role in the survival and evolution of many different organisms. By studying these relationships, we can gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and develop more sustainable and efficient farming practices. In addition, the study of symbiotic nutrition has important implications for human health and may lead to new strategies for promoting gut health and preventing disease.
how does symbiotic nutrition work
In symbiotic nutrition, both organisms gain from such association and none is harmed. This type of nutrition is called symbiotic nutrition while the association between the two organisms in which both derive benefits is called SYMBIOSIS
benefits of symbiotic nutrition
Apart from the nutritional benefits, the symbionts can derive other benefits like protection, reproduction shelter during such association
Examples of symbiotic nutrition
Examples of organisms that exhibit symbiotic feeding are
1. Nitrogen fixation bacteria and root nodules of leguminous plants
2. Algae and Fungi in a lichen
3. Sea anemones and hermit crabs
4. Termites and protozoa living together in the gut
NITROGEN FIXATION BACTERIA AND ROOT NODULES OF LEGUMINOUS PLANTS IN SYMBIOTIC NUTRITION
A typical example of symbiotic nutrition and association is the one between nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Rhizobium spp and the root nodules of leguminous plants.
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The bacteria is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen directly into the plant while the plant provide shelter and food for the bacteria.
FUNGI IN LICHEN ARE A TYPE OF SYMBIOTIC NUTRITION
a LICHEN is usually made up of two organisms, a fungus and a unicellular Alga, living closely together and this an example of symbiotic nutrition.
The thallus or plant body of a lichen consists mostly of fungal hyphae, with alga cells embedded in them.
The alga cells are arranged in a definite layer. The green alga manufactures food for both plants, while the fungus protects the alga and absorbs water from the surroundings— osmosis and diffusion. thereby making the symbiotic nutrition process complete.
SEA ANEMONES AND CRABS A TYPE OF SYMBIOTIC NUTRITION
in this type of symbiotic feeding, the sea anemone is known to attach itself to the empty shell in which the hermit crab is found. Pieces of food left by the hermit crab are what the sea anemone eats.
The hermit is protected from predators that would have attacked or eaten it as the sting of the sea anemone keep them away from the hermit crab
4. TERMITES AND PROTOZOA LIVING TOGETHER IN THE GUT
Symbiotic feeding is the relationship between two organisms in which they are mutually benefited by sharing their nourishment and shelter.
This mutual relationship may or may not be beneficial to both organisms.
There are mainly 3 types of symbiotic relationships:
- Commensalism- It is the mutual relationship where only one of the organisms gets benefit while other doesn\’t get benefited. It is a one-sided symbiotic relationship.
Example: Relationship between remora fish and large fishes. Remora fish attach to larger animals, like sharks, and whales with the help of disk present on their heads and moves with them. When the larger animals feed, the remora fish detaches itself to eat the extra food.
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Parasitism– It is the mutual relationship where one of the organisms get benefited while others get harmed.
In this, one organism may live inside the other organism’s body or on its surface. In a few parasitic relationships, the host dies while in others, it is important that the host remain alive.
Example: Fleas and mosquitoes feed on blood
CHARACTERISTICS OF SYMBIOTIC NUTRITION
What is symbiotic nutrition?
Symbiotic feeding is a type of nutrition in which two organisms of different species called SYMBIONTS live together and derive nutrients or food from each other.
In symbiont nutrition, both organisms gain from such association and none is harmed. This type of nutrition is called symbiotic feeding while the association between the two organisms in which both derive benefits is called SYMBIOSIS
Apart from the nutritional benefits, the symbionts can derive other benefits like protection, and reproduction shelter during such association.
Examples of organisms that exhibit symbiotic feeding
1. Nitrogen fixation bacteria and root nodules of leguminous plants
2. Algae and Fungi in a lichen
3. Sea anemones and hermit crabs
4. Termites and protozoa living together in the gut
- NITROGEN FIXATION BACTERIA AND ROOT NODULES OF LEGUMINOUS PLANTS: a typical example of symbiotic feeding and association is the one between nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Rhizobium spp and the root nodules of leguminous plants.
The bacteria are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen directly into the plant while the plant provides shelter and food for the bacteria.
ALGAE AND FUNGI IN LICHEN: a LICHEN is usually made up of two organisms, a fungus and a unicellular Alga, living closely together and this is an example of this nutrition. The thallus or plant body of a lichen consists mostly of fungal hyphae, with alga cells embedded in them. The alga cells are arranged in a definite layer.
The green alga manufactures food for both plants, while the fungus protects the alga and absorbs water from the surroundings thereby making the nutrition process complete.
3. SEA ANEMONES AND CRABS: in this type of symbiotic nutrition, the sea anemone is known to attach itself to the empty shell in which the hermit crab is found. Pieces of food left by the hermit crab are what the sea anemone eats.
The hermit is protected from predators that would have attacked or eaten it as the sting of the sea anemone keep them away from the hermit crab
4. TERMITES AND PROTOZOA LIVING TOGETHER IN THE GUT:
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The bacteria is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen directly into the plant while the plant provides shelter and food for the bacteria.
ALGAE AND FUNGI IN LICHEN: a LICHEN is usually made up of two organisms, a fungus and a unicellular Alga, living closely together and this is an example of this nutrition. The thallus or plant body of a lichen consists mostly of fungal hyphae, with alga cells embedded in them. The alga cells are arranged in a definite layer.
The green alga manufactures food for both plants, while the fungus protects the alga and absorbs water from the surroundings thereby making the nutrition process complete.
