Mutualism of Rhinz Essay -- Biology, Symbiosis

Symbiosis refers to a relationship in nature, between two organisms. It can exist in any of 3 forms. These are mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Each of these are different symbiotic systems in which at least one of the organisms benefits from the relationship. In a mutual relationship, both organisms will benefit in one way or another. In a commensal relationship, one organism will benefit from the partnership, while the other will not be hurt or benefitted. Finally, in a parasitic relationship, one organism will benefit from the partnership while the other organism will be harmed or even killed. The focus of this paper is mutual symbiosis found in nature (Patek, 2011). Symbiotic mutualism is a partnership in which both organisms will benefit from the relationship. This relationship beneficial to both organisms thus is beneficial to the ecosystem, indirectly. An example of this relationship, found in nature, is that of rhizobia and legumes. In this relationship, both the rhizobium and the legume on which it strives, benefit, in that the legume is enriched with nitrogen and amino acids by the rhizobium, while the rhizobium is given the important organic molecules which act as an energy source for the bacteria (Kiers et. Al., 2003). The nitrogen in this reaction is a very important nutrient, as it is a driving force of many photosynthetic processes. This process is carried out by the rhizobium bacteria attaching to a nodule on the root hair of the legume plant, taking nitrogen from the air and converting it to a form usable by plants (NH4) utilizing the enzyme nitrogenase, and in return receive the growth molecules it requires (Denison & Kiers, 2004) . Both organisms do benefit from the partnership they share; however, thi... ...c relationship with legume roots. However, this symbiotic relationship, in specific, can exist in one of two forms, either mutual or parasitic. Although the strand which exhibits mutualism most prominent among rhizobial populations, the parasitic strand does exist, yet is slowly being eradicated by the constantly evolving legumes. Researchers have studied the different strands of the bacteria, and have attempted to conclude on the efficiency of both separate strands. Each has concluded that although the parasitic strands have much less work to do to obtain the essential molecules to aid it in growth, it obtains a significantly smaller amount of the growth molecules, if any. This is because through evolutionary pathways of the legume roots, the parasitic strand is selected against, and the legume favors the more hard-working mutual strand of the rhizobium bacteria.