SYMBIOSIS--MUTUALISM, Protozoan in termite gut that digests wood, TRICHONYMPHA, 100X - stock photo

SYMBIOSIS--MUTUALISM, Protozoan in termite gut that digests wood, TRICHONYMPHA, 100X. Trichonympha is a single-celled flagellated protozoan--the image shows very abundant flagellae and a large nucleus. This protozoan is found in the termine intestine and enzymatic action from Trichonympha digests the cellulose in wood releasing sugars utilized in termine nutrition. The termite and Trichonympha both mutually benefit from this very unique Symbiotic relationship, and cannot live independently.