Index >> Population Interactions >> Interaction between Microbes and the Gut

In some animals such as pigs, the gastrointestinal tract microflora contribute to the nutrition of the animal by fermenting carbohydrates. The other activities include amino acid degradation, supply of required vitamins by the microorganisms, e.g. synthesis of vitamin K. The presence of gut microflora and the pre-emptive colonisation, constitute an important barrier to attack by intestinal pathogens. In this way, the gut microflora playa role as symbionts.