Question

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the bacteria in the nodules of the bean plant and the plant itself?

a. Neutral: neither the bacteria nor the bean plant benefits or is harmed
b. Parasitic: the bacteria benefit but cause damage to the bean plant
c. Mutualistic: both the bacteria and the bean plant benefit
d. Predatory: the bean plant consumes the bacteria for its nutrition

Answer 1

c. Mutualistic: both the bacteria and the bean plant benefit. Mutualism or symbiosis refers to the relationship between two organism where both are benefited. The bacteria convert nitrogen in the environment for the bean plant to use, in exchange for carbohydrates and a place for bacteria to grow, which is in the nodules of the plant.