Scientists at ETH Zurich Discover How Bacteria and Fungi Can Live Together
Researchers at ETH Zurich, led by Professor Julia Vorholt, have studied how bacteria and fungi can form a symbiotic relationship. They injected bacteria into the fungus Rhizopus microsporus and observed the interactions. The study found that while some bacteria were encapsulated and not passed on, others managed to integrate and be transmitted to the next generation. Over time, the fungi adapted to the bacteria, showing how such relationships can evolve and become beneficial.
Understanding Endosymbiosis
Endosymbiosis is a fascinating biological phenomenon where one organism lives inside another, benefiting both. Mitochondria in human cells are a result of ancient endosymbiosis. However, how such relationships begin is still a mystery.
The Experiment
Gabriel Giger, a doctoral student in Vorholt’s lab, developed a method to inject bacteria into the cells of the fungus Rhizopus microsporus. He used E. coli and Mycetohabitans bacteria. The E. coli bacteria were encapsulated by the fungus, preventing them from being passed on. However, some Mycetohabitans bacteria managed to integrate into the fungal spores and were transmitted to the next generation.
Findings
The initial endosymbiosis lowered the fitness of the fungi, but over several generations, the fungi adapted. The resident bacteria and the host fungus produced molecules that helped the host obtain nutrients and defend against predators. This shows that initial disadvantages can turn into advantages over time.
Conclusion
The study highlights how fragile early endosymbiotic systems are and the importance of mutual benefits for such relationships to stabilize and evolve.
Doubts Revealed
ETH Zurich -: ETH Zurich is a famous university in Switzerland where people study and do research in science and technology.
bacteria -: Bacteria are tiny living things that can sometimes make us sick, but they can also be helpful, like in our stomachs to help digest food.
fungi -: Fungi are a group of living things that include mushrooms and molds. They can grow in many places, like on old bread or in the soil.
symbiotic relationship -: A symbiotic relationship is when two different living things live together and help each other. For example, some plants and insects work together to survive.
Rhizopus microsporus -: Rhizopus microsporus is a type of fungus that can grow on food and plants. It is one of the fungi that scientists study to understand how fungi live and grow.
encapsulated -: Encapsulated means something is covered or surrounded by a protective layer. In this case, some bacteria were covered and couldn’t move to the next generation of fungi.
transmitted -: Transmitted means passed on from one place or person to another. Here, it means some bacteria were able to move to the next generation of fungi.
adapted -: Adapted means changed to fit better in a new environment. The fungi changed over time to live better with the bacteria.