Chapter 23.7, Problem 3MQ

Summary Introduction

Microbes are omnipresent, which are primarily responsible for degradation of wood and cellulose in natural environments. Microbial symbionts in termites play a major role in decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose in the plant material. The symbiotic bacteria harbor the digestive organs of the termite and degrade the plant materials, dung and organic matter. The microbes in the hindgut undergoes carbohydrate fermentation and produces acetate and organic acids. These products are carbon and energy sources for the termite.