What Helps Termites Digest Wood?
WouterThe digestive system of termites is complex. The gut contains hundreds of species of protists, or microorganisms, and bacteria. Each of these organisms has unique roles, but scientists are still unsure of exactly what they do.
In particular, researchers have recently discovered the genes responsible for the metabolic capabilities of these organisms. They also have identified a symbiotic relationship between these species, which is key to the efficient use of both protists and bacteria.
The symbiotic relationship is important for the termites because it allows them to make efficient use of the abilities of both the protist and the bacteria. They break down the cellulose in wood, providing energy and nutrients for the termite.
During the process of breaking down wood, they also break down a rigid substance called lignin. Despite its rigidity, lignin is an extremely durable compound. The enzymes needed to break down lignin must have molecular oxygen.
The termite gut hosts over 5,000 different microbes, many of which are bacteria. These microbes are essential for the survival of the termite.
The digestive system of termites has been studied using advanced genomics techniques. Researchers found that the microbes are capable of breaking down cellulose in wood. They have also discovered that there are two independent cellulose-digesting systems in the gut of wood-feeding termites.
These discoveries provide a potential method for extracting sugars during biofuel production. In addition, scientists hope that understanding how the termite gut microbes work may lead to the development of a way to kill the protists and thereby prevent the termite from getting nutrients from the wood.
