The proteobacterium Rhizobium lives in a close association with legume roots,providing a source of nitrogen for the plant.In return,the plant provides Rhizobium with food produced by photosynthesis.In this relationship,Rhizobium is an example of a(n):
A)pathogen
B)parasite
C)producer
D)methanogen
E)mutualist

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rhizobium is an example of a mutualist, which is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit. In this case, the plant provides Rhizobium with food in exchange for nitrogen, which benefits both organisms. A pathogen is an organism that causes disease, a parasite is an organism that benefits at the expense of the host, a producer is an organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis, and a methanogen is a type of bacteria that produces methane as a byproduct of its metabolism.

The Proteobacterium Rhizobium Lives in a Close Association with Legume