Cicadas and Their Endosymbionts: A Mutualistic Relationship
What role do bacterial endosymbionts play in the life of cicadas?
- The endosymbionts of cicadas are likely parasites since they feed off of nymph cicada tissues. - Any amino acid synthesizing endosymbionts of cicadas have probably experienced gene loss and have become obligate symbionts. - Cicada endosymbionts help provide essential amino acids to the cicada because plant sap is not a good source for all of the amino acids needed by the cicada. - Cicadas harbor endosymbionts located inside specialized host cells called bacteriocytes. - Cicadas must emerge from the soil so they can pick up their endosymbionts from tree bark. - The relationship between cidadas and their amino acid synthesizing endosymbionts appears to be a mutualism.
The Role of Bacterial Endosymbionts in Cicadas
Cicadas, during their adult phase, solely feed on plant sap, which is likely deficient in certain essential amino acids required by the cicadas. To compensate for this, cicadas have developed a mutualistic relationship with bacterial endosymbionts. These endosymbionts, residing within specialized host cells called bacteriocytes, are capable of synthesizing the missing amino acids that are essential for the cicadas' survival. The bacteria provide the cicadas with these amino acids, ensuring their nutritional needs are met.
Understanding the Mutualistic Relationship Between Cicadas and Endosymbionts
This mutualistic relationship is beneficial for both the cicadas and their endosymbionts. The cicadas receive the necessary amino acids they cannot obtain from their diet, while the endosymbionts benefit from a protected environment and a constant supply of nutrients from the cicada host. The endosymbionts of cicadas are not parasites, but rather essential partners in the survival of the cicadas.
Therefore, the correct predictions are that cicada endosymbionts help provide essential amino acids to the cicadas because plant sap is insufficient, and cicadas harbor endosymbionts located inside specialized host cells called bacteriocytes.