In wetlands, Beggiatoa bacteria oxidize H₂S for energy. Removal of H₂S enables growth of other microbes for which H₂S is toxic. However, Beggiatoa derives no benefit from these microbes. This interaction is an example of: A) syntrophy B) mutualism C) commensalism D) amensalism E) synergism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed. In this case, Beggiatoa bacteria benefit by oxidizing hydrogen sulfide (HS) for energy, while other microbes benefit from the removal of toxic HS, but Beggiatoa does not receive any benefit from these microbes.

In Wetlands, Beggiatoa Bacteria Oxidize H2S for Energy

In Wetlands, Beggiatoa Bacteria Oxidize H₂S for Energy