[Campbell Biology P.636] Regarding the mutualistic bacteria in the human intestines, such as... | Practice Question

Regarding the mutualistic bacteria in the human intestines, such as Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron , what is their described primary benefit to humans?

  • A: They produce oxygen for human respiration.
  • B: They protect the human gut from harmful pathogens.
  • C: They digest food that human intestines cannot break down and synthesize needed nutrients.
  • D: They produce bioluminescence to aid digestion.

Explanation

The text states: 'Many of these species are mutualists, digesting food that our own intestines cannot break down. The genome of one of these gut mutualists, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, includes a large array of genes involved in synthesizing carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutrients needed by...'