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Chapter 14, Problem 1TMW
Summary Introduction

To answer:

Why absolute commensalism is not possible.

Introduction:

Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism is benefited from other without affecting it. These commensal relationships last for a long time and in some cases, it is very short span. Commensalism exists in three types, such as mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism. All these types differ in the mode of host and how do they benefit each other with the other organism relationship.

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Explanation of Solution

An absolute commensalism is a term in which the two organisms co-exist each other and 100% the host is not harmed by the symbiont. This terminology is very hard to prove in the experimental and practical because it is tough to validate the host-symbiont relation where the host is 100% benefited by the symbiont at all the time.

For example, the human skin and gut have several symbiotic microbiotas in it. This microbiome doesn’t cause any harm to the humans instead they get nutrition for their survival from the humans. In rare cases, if the human immune system gets weakened, this microbiota become opportunistic pathogen and causes the disease to the host.

Therefore, an absolute commensalism is not possible.

Conclusion

Absolute commensalism is not possible always.

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Chapter 14 Solutions

Modified MasteringMicrobiology with Pearson eText -- Standalone Access Card -- for Microbiology with Diseases by Body System (4th Edition)

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