Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms: Nutrient Cycles - Role of Microorganisms

Question 1

What are saprobionts?

Answer 1

• Microorganisms that break down dead plant and animal material into simpler organic matter to obtain nutrients (decomposer)

Question 2

How do saprobionts digest food?

Answer 2

• Through extracellular digestion
• Secrete enzymes and digest food externally, then absorb the nutrients they need
• During this process, organic molecules are broken down into inorganic ions

Question 3

What term is used to describe the process of obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter and waste using extracellular digestion?

Answer 3

• Saprobiotic nutrition

Question 4

What is a symbiotic relationship?

Answer 4

• Symbiotic relationships are close or intimate relationships between members of two different species

Question 5

What are the different types of symbiotic relationships?

Answer 5

• Mutualism
• Parasitism
• Commensalis

Question 6

What does mutualism mean?

Answer 6

• Both organisms benefit from the symbiotic relationship

Question 7

What does parasitism mean?

Answer 7

• One organism benefits and the other is harmed by the symbiotic relationship

Question 8

What does commensalis mean?

Answer 8

• One organism benefits and the other is unaffected by the symbiotic relationship

Question 9

What term is used to describe the relationship between fungi with the roots of plants?

Answer 9

• Mycorrhizae

Question 10

What do the fungi consist of?

Answer 10

• Long, thin strands called hyphae

Question 11

How do the fungi and plant benefit each other?

Answer 11

• The hyphae connect to the plant’s roots
• The hyphae increase the surface area of the plant roots, increasing the rate of absorption of water and ions
• The fungi obtain organic compounds (e.g glucose) from the plant