How Do Termites Break Down Cellulose?

Termites are known to digest cellulose, a polysaccharide that is found in many things, such as plants and wood. They have a system of bacteria and protozoans that help them digest cellulose.

These organisms live in the termite gut. They aid in digestion and disposal of waste. They also provide enzymes that help the termite break down cellulose. Some types of termites have cellulases in their midgut.

The enzymes used to break down cellulose are produced by bacteria. The bacteria and protozoa that live in the termite gut live in a symbiotic relationship. This relationship helps the termite to break down cellulose, allowing it to use nitrogen for energy. The symbiotic relationship benefits the termite’s carbon metabolism as well.

In the higher termite species, the enzymes to break down cellulose are produced directly from the midgut cells. In the lower termite species, the enzymes are produced by protozoans. These flagellate protozoa live in the termite’s hindgut and provide the cellulose-digesting enzymes. The protozoans produce an enzyme to break down the cellulose, releasing other acids.

Several different insect families are known to digest cellulose. This is not an easy process. The symbiotic protists and bacteria that live in the termite’s gut change as the termite diet changes. This process is called trophallaxis. Termite offspring must repeatedly indulge in trophallaxis until they reach adulthood.

The process of trophallaxis involves mutual mouth-to-mouth feeding. This process allows the offspring to get the bacteria and enzymes that help the termite to digest cellulose.

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