Termites primarily feed on wooden substances. As the wood contains cellulose and the termites cannot digest them, they take the help of bacteria called "Trichonympha". This bacterium assists in digestion of cellulose in termites. This type of relation between the bacterum and the termites is called as Symbiosis. This is a type of relation in which both of the participating organisms get mutually benefited. In this context termites get their food digested and the bacteria receive food and shelter in the gut of termites.
protists
The termite depends on symbiotic bacteria in its gut to do the digestive chemistry of breaking down the plant cellulose into sugars.
In the gut of a termite, cellulose-digesting organisms, primarily symbiotic microorganisms like protozoa and bacteria, interact closely with the termite host. These microorganisms break down cellulose from wood and plant material, converting it into simpler compounds that the termite can absorb and utilize for energy. In return, the termite provides a stable environment and nutrients for these microorganisms, facilitating a mutualistic relationship essential for the survival of both parties. This symbiosis is crucial for the termite's ability to thrive on a diet primarily composed of cellulose.
The termite is considered one of the gassiest living things on Earth. They produce methane gas as a byproduct of digesting wood through a process involving bacteria in their gut. This methane is released into the atmosphere when termites expel gas.
bacteria
how does bacteria destroy the mucus protecting the gut wall and how did it let acid reach the gut wall and cause ulcers
Gut bacteria are, well, bacteria found in the gut. Bacteria are microorganisms made of a single cell; more information on them can be found in the external links provided here. The gut is usually considered any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from mouth to anus.All animals have gut bacteria. This is a normal and completely healthy condition. These normal gut bacteria are considered to make up the normal gut flora or gut microbiota of an individual.Different parts of the GI tract contain different bacteria. This has to do with the environment found in the different parts of the GI tract. For example, the stomach provides an acidic environment, making it difficult for most bacteria to survive. The colon, on the other hand, provides a suitable environment for anaerobic organisms like Bacteroides fragilis and Entereschia coli (E. coli).
To digest cellulose, organisms must produce the enzyme cellulase. Humans and termites are unable to produce cellulase themselves but termites have living in their gut simple organisms (protozoa and bacteria) which can produce the enzyme. This is an example of mutualism - a relationship between two species in which both organisms benefit. The protoza and bacteria benefit by receiving a constant supply of food (wood) from the termite. The termite benefits from the energy-rich sugar released from the cellulose by the termites. For more details see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Termite
The bacteria live off of cellulose and support the life of the termite.
The normal microbiota of gut are non-pathogenic and areEnterococcus faecalis, lactobacillli Peptostreptococcus, yeasts, but gut alos contain some pathogenic bacteria but in very less no. i.e. less then 10 viable cells which are non effective like Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Candida albicansetc.
No ruminants are all mammals, a termite is an insect. However both ruminants and termites use symbiotic bacteria to help them digest cellulose in their food.
Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso contain beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health.