Mutualistic relation of termites with associated microbes for their harmonious survival

This article explores the symbiotic role of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and protozoans) associated with xylophagous termites. Members of the subfamily Macrotermitinae belonging to the family Termitidae have evolved symbiosis with fungi, which belong to the genus Termitomyces . The function of Te...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Symbiosis (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2021-11, Vol.85 (2), p.145-161
Main Authors: Bayen, Sourajit, Roy, Somnath, Chakraborti, Dipankar, Mukhopadhyay, Ananda, Hazarika, Lakshmi Kanta, Pramanik, Prabhat, Borchetia, Sangeeta, Mukherjee, Sudipta
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodegradation
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Cellulose
Developmental Biology
Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Feeding behavior
Food sources
Fungi
Isoptera
Life Sciences
Microbiology
Microflora
Microorganisms
Plant Sciences
Symbionts
Symbiosis
Termites
Termitidae
Termitomyces
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Summary:This article explores the symbiotic role of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and protozoans) associated with xylophagous termites. Members of the subfamily Macrotermitinae belonging to the family Termitidae have evolved symbiosis with fungi, which belong to the genus Termitomyces . The function of Termitomyces varies for different termite groups depending on their feeding behaviour. In some termites, the primary function of Termitomyces fungi is the degradation of lignin to its simpler form and to make cellulose available to termites; however, these fungi also serve as nutrient rich food sources to other groups of termites. The subsequent breakdown of ingested cellulose in termite gut is further facilitated and controlled by the action of various groups of enzymes secreted by gut-borne microflora and micro-fauna. Understanding the function, significance and management of these diverse microbial symbionts associated with pestiferous higher termites may help in developing their effective bio-control.
ISSN:0334-5114
1878-7665
DOI:10.1007/s13199-021-00809-w