The relationship among endosymbiotic microbes in the termite gut that results in complex metabolic fluxes with a negative DG, which would NOT happen for individual members, is called
A) mutualism.
B) parasitism.
C) exothermic association.
D) predation.
E) syntrophy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The termite gut contains a diverse community of endosymbiotic microbes that interact in a mutually beneficial way, known as syntrophy. This interaction results in the breakdown of complex polysaccharides into simpler compounds, with each microbe playing a specific role in the overall metabolic process. The end result is a negative ΔG, indicating that the overall reaction is energetically favorable. This would not occur if the microbes were acting individually, as the reactions would require a net input of energy.

The Relationship Among Endosymbiotic Microbes in the Termite Gut That