Lecture 10 - Microbial interactions

Question 1

What are the three main types of interactions of microbial interactions

Answer 1

Mutualism, where both organisms are beneficial and required by each other obligatory i.e. Zooxanthellae and corals. Cooperation where both organisms are beneficial however not obligatory e.g. WGC. Commensalism, waste product of one organism can function as a substrate for another (e.g. nitrification)

Question 2

Discuss an example of a beneficial microbial interaction

Answer 2

A beneficial interactions that occurs within the deep marine hydrothermal vents is the symbiosis of a chemoautotrophic H2S bacteria and tube worm. The bacteria lives symbiotically within larger organisms, converting O2 + H2S into Glucose. The energy is used in the Calvin ccle to generate glucose from CO2.

Question 3

What are the negative interactions of microbial?

Answer 3

Predation, parasitism and amensalism

Question 4

What are biofilms?

Answer 4

Biofilms are a microbial community that adheres to surfaces to protect from the extracellular environment i.e. antibiotics, radiation, temperatures etc. It forms an extracellular matrix and slime to form colonies to protect microbials.

Question 5

Describe what is meant by nodulation?

Answer 5

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