Animals cannot produce enzymes to digest cellulose, yet many white ant species consume cellulose from plant material as a main part of their diet. How do white ants access the nutrients contained in cellulose?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

White ants have a mutualistic relationship with gut-dwelling microbes, particularly bacteria and protozoa, which are responsible for producing the enzymes that break down cellulose. These microbes live in the hindgut of white ants, where they digest the cellulose into simpler sugars, which are then absorbed by the white ant as a source of nutrients.

Animals Cannot Produce Enzymes to Digest Cellulose, Yet Many White