Question

Which of the following is found in the intestine of termites and produces enzymes needed to digest wood particles?

1) Giardia
2) Trichomonas
3) Trichonymphida
4) Nyctotherus

Answer 1

Trichonymphida protists in termite intestines produce enzymes that break down wood into usable nutrients for termites, enabling them to digest cellulose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The microorganisms found in the intestine of termites that produce enzymes needed to digest wood particles are from a group known as protists. Specifically, members of a group of protists called Trichonymphida live symbiotically in the digestive systems of termites. These protists possess the enzyme cellulase, which allows them to break down cellulose from wood into soluble carbohydrate molecules.

The termite then uses these molecules for energy. An important aspect of this mutualistic relationship is that the bacteria that live within the protist cells actually produce the cellulase enzyme critical for the digestion process. Because of this symbiosis, termites are able to gain nutrients from their wood-based diet, a capability they inherently lack.