Explain why it benefits us to have bateria living in our large intestine?
What type of interspecies relationship is this?
Tagged with: interspecies • relationship
Filed under: Intestines
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Denisedds (88)
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there are materials we eat that we can’t break down (cellulose for example) that the bacteria CAN.. some of the energy is given to us and the bacteria get food..
it’s mutualism
We benefit because the enzymes we naturally produce can’t break down every type of energy source we consume. Each enzyme can only break down one specific molecule. Protease for protein, lipase for fat, amylase for carbohydrates. However, food often contains bigger molecules. That’s where the bacteria comes in. They can break down different molecules into smaller useable molecules. In fact, of your daily caloric intake, only 30% of it is broken down by your body and it’s products. The bacteria takes care of the rest. This is called a symbiotic relationship because both organisms (you and the bacteria) benefit from each other’s presence.