Question

Termites are insects that require the protozoan Trichonympha in their gut to synthesize the enzyme cellulase to degrade the cellulose in wood. The protozoan uses the end products of the cellulose breakdown (glucose). This is a(n) ________ relationship.

Answer 1

Answer:

Termites are insects that require the protozoan Trichonympha in their gut to synthesize the enzyme cellulase to degrade the cellulose in wood. The protozoan uses the end products of the cellulose breakdown (glucose). This is a(n) mutualistic relationship.

Explanation:

Mutualism is a sybiotic relationship where both organisms are helped in some way, in which populations interact to benefit eachother.

As in the cases of Termites and trichonympha, Termites requireTrichonympha in their gut to synthesize the enzyme cellulase to degrade the cellulose in wood (Termites are getting benefit) The protozoan uses the end products of the cellulose breakdown (Trichonympha also getting benefit). As both of them are benefite3d, this is mutualism.