What organisms help termites digest the wood they consume?

Termites rely on a diverse community of microorganisms in their guts to help digest the cellulose found in wood, which is otherwise difficult for them to break down. Among these microorganisms, protozoa play a significant role. These single-celled organisms live symbiotically within the termite's digestive system and aid in the breakdown of cellulose into simpler sugars that the termite can absorb and use for energy.

Protozoa are particularly important in this process because they possess enzymes that can degrade cellulose, facilitating the digestion process. By fermenting the wood material, protozoa also help produce volatile fatty acids, which serve as an energy source for both the protozoa and the termite.

While bacteria and fungi also contribute to the digestion of cellulose in some organisms, in the context of termites, protozoa are the primary agents that enable them to effectively utilize wood as a food source. This specialized microbial partnership is essential for the survival and ecological role of termites as decomposers in their environments.