Microbes are microscopic organisms that, surprisingly, are responsible for forming ecosystem foundations and driving crucial processes for sustaining life on Earth. They include archaea, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. From helping with organic matter decomposition to producing oxygen and fixing nitrogen, it is hard to imagine how life would be without these microbes.
More intriguingly, these organisms are at the pole position, offering solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges. This is evident in the medical, technological, and agricultural industries, where they promise to provide significant breakthroughs. Here, we learn of the symbiotic relationships between microbes and other living organisms, some unique species, and what the future holds for them.
The Symbiotic Relationships between Microbes and Other Living Organisms
As it has been observed in nature over time, microbes usually have symbiotic relationships with other living organisms. While it’s true that these symbiotic relationships often benefit both parties, it is not always the case. In other instances, only one might be at an advantage.
The symbiotic relationship between microbes and other living organisms can be categorized as parasitic, commensal, or mutualistic. Either way, all play a vital role in ensuring the ecosystem remains balanced and biodiversity thrives. Here is how:
Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria
For plants such as legumes, atmospheric nitrogen must be converted into ammonia for them to thrive – this is where nitrogen-fixing bacteria come in. These microbes, specifically Rhizobium, enrich the soil with essential nutrients for the plants to grow.
Lichens
Lichens refers to a hybrid colony of algae (cyanobacteria) and fungi. Usually, the fungus is the dominant partner, contributing to lichens’ majority characteristics. This includes its thallus shape and fruiting bodies.
In this symbiotic relationship, fungi provide structural support and protection. On the other hand, algae contribute by photosynthesis, providing nutrients.
Gut Microbiomes
Animals, including humans, have microbes in their gut that facilitate food digestion, synthesize vitamins, and sometimes boost system immunity. Famous examples include Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, which help break complex carbohydrates into easily absorbed nutrients.
Symbiosis in Marine Animals
As you would expect, some marine animals have symbiotic relationships with microbes, allowing them to survive. For instance, corals have a mutualistic relationship with Symbiodinium algae. Here, the algae contribute energy obtained through photosynthesis. In turn, coral provides protection to the algae.
Another popular example is where animals such as anglerfish and squid host bioluminescent bacteria like Vibrio fischeri. This helps the host to attract mates/prey and escape predators.
Examples of Unique microbial Species
Though not always highlighted, there are some unique and extraordinary microbes with crazy features and exciting lifestyles. They include:
Extremophiles
Extremophiles are some of the most resilient microorganisms in the microbial world. They can survive in the least-imaginable environments. These include ones with extreme pressure, salinity, pH level, and temperatures.
While the definition of an extreme environment can vary, extremophiles are considered ecologically dominant because of the planet’s evolutionary history. For instance, some cocooned bacteria and spores samples show they have been around for over 40 million years.
Extremophiles can further be categorized into:
Halophiles
Halophiles are found in hypersaline environments, including the Dead Sea and salt flats.
Thermophiles
These thrive in areas with extreme heat (by other living organisms’ standards). Examples include Themus aquaticus, which can withstand temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius (158 Fahrenheit).
Psychrophiles
Psychrophiles are adapted to extremely cold environments. The Psychrobacter spp. Living in the Arctic sea ice is a perfect example.
Acidophiles and Alkaliphiles
As the name suggests, acidophiles are microbes that thrive in acidic environments. For example, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can survive in regions with a pH of less than 2.
On the other hand, alkaliphiles flourish in environments with high pH. For instance, Natronobacterium gregoryi thrive in soda lakes.
Bioluminescent Bacteria
Bioluminescent bacteria like Photobacterium phosphoreum and Vibrio fischeri are popular for their light-emitting abilities. Vibrio fischeri, for instance, is famous for forming symbiotic relationships with marine animals such as the
On the other hand, Photobacterium phosphoreum is often found on the skin of deep-sea fish. The glow it produces helps the host to attract prey or mates.
Antibiotic-producing Microbes
Often thought to be nature’s medicine makers, antibiotic-producing microbes have, over time, helped humans develop life-saving medicine. Examples include:
Penicillium
Have you ever heard of penicillin? The first ever widely used antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming? Yes, that was produced from a mold called Penicillium notatum!
Streptomyces spp.
Streptomyces spp., from the genus Streptomyces, is a soil-dwelling bacteria. It is famous for helping researchers develop over two-thirds of the antibiotics used in medical clinics today. Tetracycline and streptomycin drugs are perfect examples.
Actinobacteria
Actinobacteria are some of the most diverse microbes. Over time, they have been used to produce medicines such as antivirals, antifungals, and anticancer compounds. They contribute to more than just antibiotics.
Future Research on Microbes
The future looks promising thanks to scientists’ endless research and zeal to explore the microbial world. While microbes have already revolutionized healthcare, there is more potential to be unlocked.
Given that some diseases are becoming exceedingly resistant to antibiotics, there is room for researchers to find and explore new microbial habitats, including deep-sea vents and polar ice, to find new antibiotics.
Then, there is the question of microbiome therapy. As technology advances, there is a chance that precision probiotics can be developed. This will help treat/manage illnesses such as obesity, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and some mental health disorders.
In agriculture, further research may lead to the use of biofertilizers, biopesticides, and improved soil health. Drought-resistant plants can also be grown. As for environmental cleanup, bioremediation, carbon sequestration, plastic degradation, and wastewater treatment can all be improved.
