E. coli are members of our indigenous microbiota and reside in the intestines. (
ID: 50779 • Letter: E
Question
E. coli are members of our indigenous microbiota and reside in the intestines.
(a) Describe the type of symbiotic relationship that is demonstrated by the interaction between E. coli and humans. What other types of symbiosis exist between microbes and humans? Describe and give an example of each. (15 pts.)
(b) In some cases, the relationship between humans and indigenous microbiota like E. coli can be altered. Propose a scenario in which this relationship changes, and discuss the consequences to each partne
Explanation / Answer
a) The type of symbiotic relationship between E.coli and humans is termed as Mutualism. As E.coli are bacterial species, they are categorised as Pathogenic and non pathogenic. Pathogenic E.coli are harmful to humans and non pathogenic are harmless to humans which are present in the gut of the humans. These non pathogenic E.coli co exist with these humans for their mutual benefit. The bacteria residing in the gut get their food and shelter from the humans and in return these bacteria produces vitamins like vitamin K and B which are necessary for the humans, as humans cannot accumulate these vitamins. So E.coli and humans maintain a long term relationship by benefitting each other. There are other types of symbiosis like commensalism and parasitism.
Commenalism can be described as a relationship in which one partner is benefitted and other partner is not affected by this relationship. For example bacteria named Streptococcus pyogenes is present in the digestive system of the humans. It take up the nutrients for the their growth and it doesnot affect the health of the humans.
Parasitism can be described as a relationship in which the humans provide the niche for the bacteria and in return the bacteria harm or causes the disease to humans. The best example for this relationship is Helicobacter pylori a bacteria which lives in the stomach of the humans from where it derive nutrients and in return it causes gastric ulcers or peptic ulcers.
b) The very common scenario where the relationship between indigenous microbiota and humans are altered happens in the daily life by excessive usage of antibiotics. The antibiotics used are broad spectrum and these eliminate the pathogenic bacteria and also the gut flora which helps humans in the digestion of food and productions of vitamins. Due to this, the gut bacteria are wiped off or it allows pathogenic bacteria to grow and the effects on the humans include inability to digest the food leading to diarrhea and immune compromise.
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