Concept explainers
Describe an experimental approach to determine if a plant-associated microbe is a commensal or a mutualist.
To describe: An experimental approach for determining whether a plant-associated microbe is a commensal or a mutualist.
Introduction: Microbes are involved with the associations with group of other species. These types of associations are called a symbiotic association. Some microbes are in beneficial or mutualistic association with other species in which both are benefitted from each other. Some are in parasitic association with other organisms in which the host is harmed by the microbe.
Explanation of Solution
For determining, whether a plant-associated microbe is a commensal or a mutualist, a simple experiment can be performed. To perform this experiment a control group and an experimental group is required.
The control group is a plant and the associated microbe living in the natural condition such as optimal light, humidity, and temperature required for growth. In the experimental group, the conditions are maintained such that only the microbes associated with the plant are removed by using antimicrobial agents.
The growth rate of the plant is taken as the parameter to measure the growth of the plant with and without the associated microbe. If a significant change in the growth pattern of the plant is detected, it would indicate a mutualistic association. In case, the variation in the growth pattern of the two plants is not detected, it indicates commensalism between the microbe and the plant.
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