Lab: Mutualism

Question 1

Mutualism

Answer 1

Any relationship between two organisms where each organism benefits from the interaction with another organism.

Question 2

Facultative Mutualism

Answer 2

Two organisms that don’t necessarily need each other to survive

Question 3

Obligate Mutualism

Answer 3

Two organisms that need each other in order to survive.

Question 4

Cell vs. Mitochondria

Answer 4

An example of ‘obligate mutualism’, the mitochondria is the only organelle that gives energy to a cell; in return, the mitochondria can use the cells DNA-related reproduction process.

Question 5

Example of Mutualism

Answer 5

-Cows have bacteria in their stomachs that produce the enzyme cellulase that helps digest the cellulose found in grass; the cows stomachs, dark and wet, provide a perfect environment for the bacteria.