The adoption of a symbiotic lifestyle is a major adaptation in the marine realm. Protection against environmental stress, escape from natural enemies, and nourishment are the major benefits obtained by symbiotic crustaceans from hosts. Hosts also represent a mating and nursery ground for symbiotic crustaceans. Costs and/or benefits experienced by hosts are diverse but may be subtle and challeng...

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by accumulation of intrahepatic lipid. The use of live microorganisms promotes beneficial effects; however, the use of symbiotic and its role in NAFLD is not yet fully understood. AIM Verify if the symbiotic administration influences the occurrence and progression of NAFLD in rats, after induction of hepatic steatosis by hi...

The symbiotic association between corals and photosynthetic unicellular algae is of great importance in coral reef ecosystems. The study of symbiotic relationships is multidisciplinary and involves research in phylogeny, physiology, biochemistry, and ecology. An intriguing phase in each symbiotic relationship is its initiation, in which the partners interact for the first time. The examination ...

Most animal-microbe symbiotic interactions must be advantageous to the hostand provide nutritional benefits to the endosymbiont. When the host providesnutrients, it can gain the capacity to control the interaction, promote self-growthand increase its fitness. Chlorella-like green algae engage in symbioticrelationships with certain protozoans, a partnership which significantly im...

The rate of global deposition of Cd, Pb, and Zn has decreased over the past few decades, but heavy metals already in the soil may be mobilized by local and global changes in soil conditions and exert toxic effects on soil microorganisms. We examined in vitro effects of Cd, Pb, and Zn on critical life stages in metal-sensitive ecotypes of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, including spore germin...

Fungus-growing termites efficiently decompose plant litter through their symbiotic relationship with basidiomycete fungi of the genus Termitomyces. Here, we investigated phenol-oxidizing enzymes in symbiotic fungi and fungus combs (a substrate used to cultivate symbiotic fungi) from termites belonging to the genera Macrotermes, Odontotermes, and Microtermes in Thailand, because these enzymes ar...

In this paper, a concept of “symbiotic computing” is formalized to bridge gaps between Real Space (RS) and Digital Space (DS). Symbiotic computing is a post-ubiquitous computing model based on an agent-oriented computing model that introduces social heuristics and cognitive functions into DS to bridge the gaps. The symbiotic functions and agent-based architecture of symbiotic applications are a...

Most legume species establish a symbiotic association with soil bacteria. The plant accommodates the differentiated rhizobia in specialized organs, the root nodules. In this environment, the microsymbiont reduces atmospheric nitrogen (N) making it available for plant metabolism. Symbiotic N-fixation is driven by the respiration of the host photosynthates and thus constitutes an additional carbo...

The green ciliate Paramecium bursaria contains several hundred symbiotic Chlorella species. We previously reported that symbiotic algal carbon fixation is enhanced by P. bursaria extracts and that the enhancing factor is a heat-stable, low-molecular-weight, water-soluble compound. To identify the factor, further experiments were carried out. The enhancing activity remained even when organic com...

Understanding the origins and evolutionary trajectories of symbiotic partnerships remains a major challenge. Why are some symbioses lost over evolutionary time whereas others become crucial for survival? Here, we use a quantitative trait reconstruction method to characterize different evolutionary stages in the ancient symbiosis between legumes (Fabaceae) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, asking ho...