How Do Termites Digest Cellulose?
WouterIn order to understand how termites digest cellulose, researchers have had to study the guts of higher termite species. This study has revealed significant changes in gene expression. These changes may have implications for the use of termite enzymes in biofuel production.
Termites do not have enzymes of their own, but instead depend on a symbiotic community of bacteria and protozoa to break down cellulose. These protozoans live in the termite’s gut and release an enzyme that can break down cellulose.
The bacteria in the termite’s digestive tract aid in the disposal of waste. These bacteria are also responsible for the production of an enzyme, cellulase, that can break down cellulose.
Research has discovered that the amount of endo-b-1,4-glucanase activity in the midgut, rectum, and mixed segment of the termite gut was lower in these areas. These findings could lead to a better understanding of the bacterial community and its role in termite digestion.
In addition, the researchers found that the bacterium communities in the termite’s digestive tract seem to be stable. They were able to stain the termite’s gut with a DNA dye. The dye is visible as small white spots on the bacterium.
The Japanese researchers found that the termite’s intestine is divided into four sections. The first is the rumen, where anaerobic bacterial digestion occurs. The next two compartments are the foregut and hindgut, which house symbiotic bacteria and protozoans.
The researchers found that the rumen is the primary storage compartment for cellulose. This is followed by regurgitation to chew the cud.
