Question

1. describe microbial symbiosis and provide an example.

Explanation:

4.

Microbial symbiosis is the close interaction between different microbial species (or a microbe and a host organism). There are three main types: mutualism (both benefit), commensalism (one benefits, other is unaffected), and parasitism (one benefits, other is harmed). For example, in mutualism, the bacteria in the human gut (like Escherichia coli in a healthy gut) help with digestion (breaking down complex carbs, producing vitamins like vitamin K) and in return, get a stable environment and nutrients from the host. Another example is the symbiosis between rhizobium bacteria and legume plants: rhizobium fixes atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by the plant (ammonia), and the plant provides the bacteria with carbohydrates and a protected root nodule habitat.

Answer:

Microbial symbiosis is the close interaction between microbes (or a microbe and a host), with types like mutualism, commensalism, parasitism. Example: Rhizobium - legume (mutualism: rhizobium fixes N₂ for plant, plant gives carbs/nodule; or gut bacteria - human, aiding digestion and getting nutrients).