Final answer:
Prokaryotes live in various symbiotic associations with eukaryotes, including mutualism, as seen in the human gut microbiota and nitrogen-fixing bacteria with legumes; commensalism, where skin microbiota benefit without affecting the host; and parasitism, exemplified by pathogenic bacteria causing diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
List and Describe Three Symbiotic Associations Prokaryotes Live in with Eukaryotes
Symbiotic associations are widespread in nature, particularly between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These relationships can be classified into three main types: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
Mutualistic Relationships
In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms benefit from the association. An iconic example is the gut microbiota in humans and other animals, where microorganisms such as bacteria produce essential nutrients like vitamin K and aid in digestion. In return, they receive a protected environment and constant nutrient supply. Another example is the relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and leguminous plants, where the bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use, receiving carbohydrates in return.
Commensal Relationships
Commensalism involves one organism benefiting while the other is neither harmed nor helped. Many bacteria and archaea on the human skin, for instance, feed on the secretions and dead cells without affecting the host.
Parasitic Relationships
Parasitism occurs when one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Pathogenic bacteria that cause disease in humans, plants, or other animals are examples of parasitic relationships where the prokaryote gains nutrients from the host, causing harm in the process.