Question

The symbiosis relationship between two microorganisms with different metabolism which leads to short-distance metabolite transfer is called as __________

(a) syntrophism

(b) catabolism

(c) anabolism

(d) mutualism

I have been asked this question during an interview for a job.

The origin of the question is Anaerobic Bacterial Degradation of Biopolymers topic in section Biodegradation of Organic Pollutants of Environmental Biotechnology

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) syntrophism

For explanation: When both organisms having different metabolism carry out a metabolic function together leading to a metabolite transfer is called syntrophism, Anabolism is the amount of energy required to synthesize biomass, catabolism is the amount of energy required to break the biomass into smaller molecules, relationship in which both species gets the benefit.