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The Miracle of Symbiosis: How do microorganisms become life partners of animals and plants?
In nature, all animals and plants live in close symbiosis with microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, forming various complex ecosystems. These microorganisms are not simple parasites or pathogens, but often play an indispensable role in the development, immunity and metabolism of the host. As we delve into the world of microorganisms, we are surprised to find that they are not only present in our intestines, but also everywhere, and have even established important relationships with plant roots, leaves and other parts.
“The existence of microbial communities not only determines the health status of an organism, but may also affect the evolution of the organism.”
The relationship between microorganisms and hosts
Interactions between microorganisms and their hosts can be divided into three types: symbiotic relationships, mutualistic relationships, and parasitic relationships. In a symbiotic relationship, the microorganisms do not cause harm to the host but instead make their home within or on the host. Some of these microorganisms may be beneficial to the host under certain circumstances, such as providing nutrients or defending against pathogens, while others may cause harm to the host and form a parasitic relationship.
“Common microbiota can be regarded as the normal flora of the host. They are not only harmless, but also protect the host.”
Acquisition and changes of microorganisms
Animals and plants begin to acquire microorganisms at birth. For animals, this process often begins at birth, while for plants, the introduction of microorganisms can begin with root germination and can also be obtained from the air. In this process, environmental factors have a great influence on the stability of microorganisms, especially the characteristics and quality of the soil. Research shows that the stability of plant root microbiota between generations is dependent on the type of plant and its growing environment.
How microorganisms affect humans and other animals
The human microbiome includes bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses. The number of microorganisms present in humans was once thought to be ten times the number of human cells, although with the deepening of scientific research, this ratio has been revised. Recent data suggests that the number of microbes in the human body may be close to 1:1 with human cells, suggesting that the number of microbes in the body is disproportionate to their function.
In non-human animals, the role of microorganisms is also crucial. For example, herbivorous animals such as cattle rely on microorganisms in their rumens to convert cellulose into usable nutrients. This diversity of microbial communities is critical to herbivore life because many animals that inhabit similar environments will have different microbial community structures even when fed similar diets.
Plant microbial relationships
Recent research shows that plants derive their microbiomes from seeds. These microorganisms are passed from the mother plant to the germinating seedlings and then move further to the roots and leaves of the plant. Specific microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can provide plants with various services such as nitrogen fixation and disease prevention. The interaction between these microorganisms and plants can improve plant growth and health.
The future of research and its significance
Current research is trying to uncover how interactions between the host and the microbiota influence the immune system and response to pathogens. Scientists believe that maternal microorganisms can be passed to the baby through direct contact and milk production to quickly build a valuable immune barrier, which not only provides protection for new life, but also leaves a deep imprint on future health.
The coevolution of microorganisms and their hosts has attracted widespread attention. This prompted the scientific community to rethink the relationship between species and prepare to introduce this new perspective into the core theory of biology. As our understanding of the microbial world deepens, we can't help but wonder how these microbes continue to impact our lives and our future.
