The termite gut environment is lacking a fresh supply of oxygen O2. However, it is rich with food due to the presence of bacteria that contain enzymes capable of breaking down cellulose and lignin, the macromolecules that make wood. Use this information to determine which of following protista groups is more likely to be found in a termite gut.

a. Diatoms
b. Radiolaria
c. Parabasilids
d. Rhodophyta
e. Foraminifera (Forams)

Termites are unable to digest cellulose and lignin by themselves. They need microorganisms living in their guts to provide the necessary enzymes to break down these molecules. This relationship turns to be mutualistic, in which both organisms are beneficiated. The microorganism is an endosymbiont.

Parabasilids are unicellular flagellated protists, most of them symbionts with animals. Flagella are characteristics of this group, arranging into one or more groups in the anterior region of the cell. Many species are commonly found in the digestive tube of termites. Parabasilids help their hosts to digest cellulose through enzymatic action. They are anaerobic organisms and lack mitochondria, making them capable of living in an environment with no fresh supply of oxygen O₂. Termites gut provide all the necessary conditions for endosymbiont´s growth, reproduction, and development.

luisvaschetto luisvaschetto · Answer 2 · 2022-03-01T12:16:01+01:00

The Protista group that is more likely to be found in a termite gut is Parabasilids (Option C).

Parabasilids are single-celled (unicellular) protists that live in symbiosis with different animals.

Parabasilids are beneficial symbionts found in the digestive system of different species of termites.

These protists have specific enzymes that help to digest cellulose and hemicellulose.

In conclusion, the Protista group that is more likely to be found in a termite gut is Parabasilids (Option C).

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