Question

Escherichia coli living in the human large intestine is known to produce vitamin K and B-complex vitamins in exchange for a nutrient-rich habitat. This host-microbe interaction is an example of __________.

Answer 1

Answer:

Symbiosis

Explanation:

Escherichia coli is a species of Gram-negative bacteria that lives in the large intestine of  humans and animals that are healthy. There, it produces important vitamins that humans need for nutrition, such as vitamin K, B-complex vitamins, which makes it essential for the proper functioning of our organism and our health. In return, it receives the nutrients it needs for growth and division.

This species belongs to the group of essential microbiota of our organism that play an important role in our nutrition, metabolism, digestion, and even in our mood.

This means that E. coli lives in a symbiotic relationship with its host, the human. Therefore, if this species of bacteria is absent in our organism, due to antibiotic overuse for example, it could have important negative impacts in our health.