Synthesis of Metabolites

Synthesis of Metabolites

Synthesis of Metabolites
Besides the hydrolysis of cellulose molecules into glucose monomers, gut microbes play an important role in the synthesis of acetate, CO2 and H2 by the fermentation of each glucose monomers. CO2 reducing acetogenic bacteria convert H2 and CO2 to acetic acid which are absorbed from the hindgut and oxidised by respiratory mechanism. This oxidation is aided by methanogenic bacteria.

Hence the guts of both lower and higher termites are a source of microbial diversity. With the isolation of acetogens and methanogens from the guts of termites, the processing of CO2 and H2 by the resident microflora is well-documented. It is suggested that termite emissions may be a significant source of atmospheric methane.

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