Cellulose Digestion in Termites
Animals such as termites consume wood and dry leaves which also contain cellulose. The digestion of cellulose in termites is also done by the enzyme cellulase produced by protozoans which live symbiotically with the termites. The byproducts of the breakdown of cellulose could be acetic acid or glucose.
Few termite species, however, lack the ability to manufacture enough cellulase independently and are dependent on microbes from the domains of Archaea, Eubacteria and Eucarya to digest cellulose. Irrespective of the various levels of termite independence, there exists a symbiotic relationship between termites and over 400 species of microorganisms. These microorganisms are named mastigophorans.
Also Read: Overview of Digestive System
Cellulose In Digestion – Herbivores, Termites, & Ruminants
Cellulose is a type of fiber that cannot be digested by the human digestive system. The presence of beta-acetal linkages in cellulose distinguishes it from starch and determines its digestion. The organisms that are capable of digesting the cellulose with their cellulase enzyme are microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
Except for a few multicellular organisms, such as termites, most higher organisms cannot digest cellulose without the help of microorganisms. In this article, we will discuss cellulose in digestion and why humans can digest starch but not cellulose.
Table of Content
- What is Cellulose?
- Structure of Cellulose
- Cellulose Digestion in Ruminants
- Cellulose Digestion in Termites
- Cellulose Digestion in Herbivores
- Reasons Why Humans Cannot Digest Cellulose
- Importance of cellulose in digestion