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/an ______ relationship.

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This is a mutualistic relationship because both the termites and the protozoan Trichonympha benefit from each other. The termites get help in breaking down cellulose into glucose, which they can use for energy, while the protozoans get a habitat and access to food (the glucose produced from cellulose breakdown).

Termites Are Insects That Require the Protozoan Trichonympha in Their