answersLogoWhite

0


Want this question answered?

Be notified when an answer is posted

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why don't termites break cellulose?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the relationship between termites and the cellulose?

Termites eat cellulose. Wood is made of cellulose so termites eat wood.


If protists didn't live inside the stomachs of termites what would happen to the termite?

The termites would be unable to break down the cellulose in the wood. This would make the termites starve to death because they need the nutients from the cellulose to survive.


What animals contain microbes that can break down cellulose?

Cows, horses, sheep, goats, and termites have bacteria living inside their intestinal tract. These bacteria can break down cellulose that is in grass and other plants.


Do termites feed on cellulose insulation?

yes they do.


Which organisms can digest cellulose and how they are able to do this?

Micro-organisms, such as bacteria, are able to digest cellulose. No mammals are able to digest cellulose. This is because cellulose contains a β(1,4) linkage that no mammalian enzyme can break. This is why herbivores must have symbiotic bacteria somewhere in their digestive system that help them break down cellulose.


What type of wood do termites prefer?

There are a few things that help keep termites alive and in your home - water, cellulose and shelter. Cellulose is what makes up dead wood. Termites "eat" cellulose in order to stay alive, absorbing its nutrients and moisture. When there is no cellulose, they look elsewhere for sources of nutrition. Termites can survive solely on water; however cellulose is the best source of nutrients for their diet. Termites will eat any type of wood, as long as the wood is dead, and most houses have plenty of dead wood for termites to feast on. Stumps, mulch, and other wood debris are a perfect meal for a hungry termite. If termites get into the foundation of a home and into the wooden structure, they can cause severe damage. By: MTS


What kind of food do termites eat?

Termites eat cellulose and allied substances .they astonish scientists by digesting practically undigestable tree barks they use symbiotic bacteria and fungi to break their food by hidden cellulases not completely known to scientists.


Do termites really eat wood?

Yes, termites eat wood. Termites have some kind of bacteria living in their gut, that produces enzymes that break down cellulose (the fiber that gives structure to wood), into carbohydrates, for the termites and the bacteria to use. So yes, termites eat wood, but in another way, they're actually eating carbohydrates.


Is wood part of a ladybug diet?

No, they do not digest cellulose like termites.


What do termites feed on?

They eat cellulose found in wood, grass, some plants.


Can lactase break down cellulose?

Yes, lactase can definitely break down cellulose. In fact, when the lactase works to break down the cellulose, it breaks the cellulose down into two different monomers.


How does protozoans enter into the gut of the termite?

Termites have adapted their stomachs so that they can extract cellulose from the soil humus.Mostly there is a symbiotic protozoa (metamonads) and other microbes in the termites stomachs that help them digest the cellulose.