Saprotrophs and parasites: description, characteristics and differences

Saprotrophs (Ancient Greek σαπρός - “rot” and τροφή - “food”) are organisms that feed on the dead remains of other creatures or animal feces, known as detritus. Saprotrophic organisms are decomposers that are considered critical to the process of decomposition and nutrient circulation in an ecosystem.

Saprotrophs include fungi, bacteria, oomycetes, as well as saprophytes (parasitic flowering plants and some algae) and saprophages (death beetles, skin beetles, dung beetles, earthworms, nematodes, mites, fly larvae, woodlice, protozoa, benthic amphipods, crayfish , vultures, crows, hyenas and many other animals).

Saprotrophic fungi and parasites

The main difference between saprotrophic and parasitic fungi is the substrate they use as a food source. This trait determines their body size, habitat, number and method of distribution of spores.

What to do in such a situation? To get started, we recommend reading this article. This article describes in detail methods of controlling parasites. We also recommend that you consult a specialist. Read the article >>>

Interaction

Saprotrophic bacteria are an essential part of any microbial community, which includes parasitic microorganisms, lactic acid fermenters, and in some cases fungi.

For example, we can consider the human intestinal microflora. Healthy microflora, which ensures normal food processing, consists mainly of lactic acid bacteria. They create an environment in the intestine that inhibits the saprotrophs and parasites present.

But as soon as the required amount of lactic acid ceases to be produced in the intestines, favorable conditions appear for the nutrition, growth and reproduction of putrefactive microflora, which immediately begins to poison a person with the products of their vital activity, which entails severe damage.

Saprophytes

These creatures get their energy from dead organic matter. Saprophytes free the environment from the remains of plants and animals, decomposing them to form simple inorganic compounds. They return mineral salts to the soil, which will later be useful to plants.

This method of nutrition has led to the fact that saprophytes differ from parasites in the formation of a significant number of spores and their easier spread. They settle on fallen leaves, branches, stumps, and bird feathers.

The group of higher saprophytes includes such well-known representatives of the kingdom as:

• boletus;
• Champignon;
• morels and lines;
• fly agarics;
• dung beetles.

Among the known lower genera are yeast and penicillium. They have found their application in medicine and the food industry.

Saprophytes can cause harm. Thus, mushrooms of the genus Mukor, which form on stale bread, are dangerous for humans and animals. When they enter the body they cause mucormycosis.

Wood rotting

The processing of dead wood and the return of the inorganic compounds of which it consisted to the soil is also carried out with the participation of saprotrophic bacteria. But if they play a key role in the decomposition of animal organic matter, then wood is mainly decomposed by fungi.

Putrefactive processes in wood are not caused by mold fungi. Infection of wood by mold fungi has little effect on the integrity of the wood fibers and the overall appearance of the wood. Damage caused to wood by mold can be easily removed.

The real enemy of wood is the destructive house fungus. This microorganism (eukaryote) turns wood into dust, unsuitable for further use. The presence of real house fungus in the tissues of the tree reduces the quality of the wood several times. Such material is no longer used to produce reliable and beautiful wood products.

Saprotrophs (both bacteria and fungi) feed on those objects that have a certain material value for humans. In fact, they spoil human health, their homes, food, clothing and crops. But nature cannot do without this very important group of the bacterial community. That is why a person needs to look for a way not how to destroy saprotrophs, but how to protect himself from the products of their vital activity.

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Parasitic mushrooms

According to the degree of development and size, they are divided into 2 categories:

• Microparasites. Lower fungi that reproduce directly in the body and host cells. These include: slime mold, candida.
• Macroparasites. They spread by spores from one host to another. Typical representatives include enemies of agricultural plants: scab, late blight, cabbage sage, ergot, smut.

Among the macroparasites of animals and plants, fungi of the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporia are known. They cause infectious diseases.

Also among fungi there are species that manifest themselves as saprophytes and parasites. They use an atypical substrate when their habitat conditions change.

Saprophytes can feed at the expense of the host. This is how autumn or winter honey mushrooms settle on dead woody debris (stumps). But when mycelium spreads, they grow on damaged spruce, birch and aspen trees. In this case, the fungi begin to parasitize and worsen the condition of the living host.

Polypores are initially parasites. They grow on tree trunks. But after the death of the host, these mushrooms continue to live on them as saprophytes.

Nutrition method

For the normal functioning of any living organism, proteins (proteins), carbohydrates and fats (lipids) are necessary. Proteins are synthesized in cells from amino acids supplied to heterotrophs from the external environment. Fats are part of cell walls and become an energy reserve in case of carbohydrate deficiency. Complex carbohydrates are obtained from glucose and are energy sources. Plants synthesize complex carbohydrates from simple carbohydrates - starch and fiber. In animals they turn into glycogen, here fungi are completely similar to fauna, glycogen is also present in their body.

To obtain all these substances from the external environment, they must first decompose more complex compounds into simpler ones. After all, neither peptides, nor starch, nor fiber enter the cell. To do this, organisms release enzymes into the external environment. Some representatives of the kingdom, for example, yeast, do not have enzymes. Therefore, they live on a specific substrate of simple carbohydrates, which penetrates the cell walls.

Complex multicellular higher fungi synthesize enzymes in the mycelium, and some species also in fruiting bodies. Each variety has its own characteristics. Some produce enzymes that can dissolve a large number of substances. Others have only specific ones, for example, breaking down only keratin. This determines what medium they will grow on.

The body of multicellular species consists of special threads - hyphae. It is through their cells that nutrients are absorbed. Protein synthesis, the conversion of glucose into glycogen, and simple lipids into complex fats occur here. Hyphae are attached to the substrate. Depending on what environment and method of nutrition mushrooms choose, they are divided into:

• saprophytes or saprotrophs;
• parasites;
• symbiotics or symbionts.

Most representatives of the kingdom are saprophytes that settle on decaying remains. But there are thousands of parasitic species. Some have chosen a special way of interacting with other organisms - mutually beneficial symbiosis. Such mushrooms do not feed only at the expense of another organism, but help it obtain chemical elements from the external environment. This is their main difference from parasites.

Differences between saprophytes and parasitic microorganisms

In life, parasitic and saprophytic bacteria are very difficult to distinguish, even when using a large knowledge base and special equipment. This is due to the fact that parasites often lead a semi-saprophytic lifestyle, that is, they adapt to the environment and begin to consume half-life products. Usually, they are distinguished by external characteristics (look at the photo to see how saprophytes differ from parasitic bacteria).

In addition, saprophytes are able to use environments weakened by disease and extract beneficial substances from them. For example, finding themselves close to strawberries affected by pathogenic flora, saprophytes use it for their own life activity, which is reminiscent of the life activity of parasitic bacteria.

Hence the need to create subclasses:

• Facultative parasitic bacteria. They are also called semi-saprophytes, or parasites of conditional origin. They usually lead a parasitic life, but when necessary they attack still diseased plants.
• Facultative saprophytes (conditional saprophytes/hemiparasites). They are characterized by behavior similar to the life activity of facultative parasites, only they refuse live food.

Consequently, some saprophytes do not feed exclusively on carrion and rot, in which they are similar to parasites that do not consume a purely living substrate, but the main thing is that they do not harm healthy plants and environments.

Definition

The word itself is borrowed from another language, more precisely, it is combined from two Greek words: sapros - “rotten” and phyton - “plant”. In biology, saprophytes are fungi, plants and bacteria that consume dead tissues of animals and plants as food, as well as products released by them during their vital activity. They are distributed everywhere - in water, land, air, and also in the bodies of living beings.

Most often, saprophytes are individuals that do not harm their owner. A person does not even realize what a huge number of different microorganisms are constantly on his skin and inside the body, without causing any diseases. However, under the influence of negative factors (decreased immunity, excessive increase in the number of microbes), everything can change, and saprophytes can cause an infectious disease.

Saprophytes in nature

In nature, saprophytes are very important, because thanks to their participation, media of organic origin are processed, because any living organism (including plants) dies over time. For the same reason, saprophytes always have an object to feed on. In addition, thanks to the processing of organic waste, new components arise through their decomposition, which are subsequently used by other organisms, which provokes a kind of cycle of substances in nature.

Saprophytes mean a lot in nature, because their task is to transform chemical substances and mineralize them, from where fermentation, phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen and other useful processes, substances and minerals arise. Without these organisms, other, more developed creatures could not exist on the planet.

Where does dust allergy come from?

Allergies are a result of constant sterilization. People's homes are becoming more and more comfortable - sealed plastic windows, air conditioners, water filters, dishwashers - contribute to the emergence of pathogenic microflora. Synthetic building materials, chemical household detergents, fermented (processed) foods, etc., gradually lead to the accumulation of harmful substances (toxins) in the body and weaken the immune system - the natural protective function of the body. Therefore, as a result, various types of intolerances (all kinds of allergies) appear.

Tick ​​allergy in children can also be provoked by an untreated chronic inflammatory process in the bronchi, which is sometimes confused with bronchial asthma, for which a completely different treatment is prescribed.

(animals and protists) decomposers differ primarily in that they do not leave solid undigested residues (excrement). In ecology, detritivorous animals are traditionally classified as consumers (see, for example, Bigon, Harper, Townsend, 1989). At the same time, all organisms emit carbon dioxide and water, and often other inorganic (ammonia) or simple organic (urea) molecules and thus take part in the destruction (destruction) of organic matter.

Saprophytes and parasites: what are they and how do they differ?

The environment contains a large number of various microorganisms (the collective name for small living organisms that can only be seen through a microscope), which have both positive and negative effects on humans and animals. These microorganisms include saprophytes and parasites.

Saprophytes - what are they?

Saprophytes are a group of microorganisms that feed on processed dead cells of living beings and process complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances. Thus, this microorganism is capable of providing significant benefits.

For normal existence, these bacteria require the following elements:

• Carbohydrates.
• Nitrogen in the form of a set of amino acids.
• Peptides.
• Squirrels.
• Vitamins.
• Nucleotides.

By feeding on dead cells, microorganisms have a cleansing effect on the human body , ridding it of toxins and improving overall well-being. Once in the human body, the microorganisms present can prevent the negative effects of parasites. They promote the breakdown of fiber, resulting in faster absorption of food.

These bacteria, being in the human body, do not cause any harm to him, but, on the contrary, bring benefit, albeit small.

But, unfortunately, under the influence of external factors, bacteria can begin to have a negative effect , provoking the occurrence of various diseases. This situation is explained by the fact that saprophytes also secrete waste products.

And it is these products that can be dangerous for the human body, because microorganisms feed on dead cells, which can cause various kinds of allergic reactions. For example, a type of bacteria such as E. coli can cause diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis.

All of these diseases are dangerous because they can be fatal.

The role of these bacteria in the life of humans and animals is quite important, since they are the ones who process the so-called waste. They even received the title of “body orderlies.”

In addition to all this, saprophytes, when feeding, break down dead tissue in such a way that there is enough to feed other organisms.

The most popular types of saprophytes include dust mites. It prefers to live on surfaces such as wood, pile, fabric, and feeds on dust, which consists of dead human skin cells.

Ecological niches

Saprophytic bacteria are one of the most numerous groups of microorganisms. If we talk about the place of saprotrophs in ecological systems, they always displace heterotrophs. Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce organic compounds themselves, but are only engaged in processing existing material.

The group of saprotrophs includes representatives of many families and genera of bacteria:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas);
• Escherichia coli (Proteus, Escherichia);
• Morganella;
• Klebsiella;
• Bacillus;
• Clostridia (Clostridium) and many others.

Saprotrophs inhabit all environments in which organic matter is present: multicellular organisms (plants and animals), soils, they are found in dust and in all types of bodies of water (except hot springs).

The result of the action of saprophytic organisms, obvious to humans, is the formation of rot - this is what the process of their feeding looks like. It is the rotting of organic material that is evidence that saprotrophs have taken over.

During the process of decay, nitrogen is released from organic compounds and returned to the soil. The reactions are accompanied by a characteristic hydrogen sulfide or ammonia odor. By this smell one can identify the beginning of the putrefactive decomposition process of a dead organism or its tissues.

Mineralization of organic nitrogen (ammonification) and its transformation into inorganic compounds - such a key role in nature is assigned to saprophytic organisms.

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Edible types of parasitic mushrooms

Cap mushrooms are usually classified as saprotrophs. Less common are parasites, such as honey fungus. Entering into symbiosis with the root system, the fungi penetrate it with mycorrhizae, entwining the root processes.

The presence of a ring on the stem of the honey fungus formed the name of the mushroom. Prefers to grow in large colonies. It is salted, fried, pickled. Valued for its high mineral content. Just 100 grams of product contains the body’s daily need for these elements.

Since honey mushrooms cause wood rot, they are dangerous parasites. The black laces of the mycelium penetrate the bark and, releasing toxic substances, affect the wood. As a result, a young tree may die within 1-3 years. The old specimen dies after 10 years. Once a fungus settles on a tree, its growth slows down. The protective substances that the tree produces cannot stop the process, but only slow it down.

A parasitic fungus that feeds on tree sap is the tinder fungus. There are several varieties of this population. Although there are very few poisonous representatives, they are mainly used in cooking due to their solid body. Some species are considered delicacies. The sulfur-yellow tinder fungus tastes like chicken meat. In some countries, tinder fungi are specially cultivated on farms.

Young specimens of polypores collected on deciduous trees should be eaten. Individuals growing on coniferous trees are at risk of mild poisoning. Experienced mushroom pickers recommend eating only well-known mushroom populations.

Physiological processes

Saprotrophs, as one of the most numerous groups, have in their ranks representatives with very different physiological needs:

• Anaerobes. For example, we can consider E. coli, which carries out its life processes without the participation of oxygen, although it can live in an oxygen environment.
• Aerobes are bacteria involved in the decomposition of organic matter in the presence of oxygen. Thus, putrefactive diplococci and three-membered bacteria are present in fresh meat. At the initial stage, the content of ammonia (a waste product of putrefactive microflora) in meat does not exceed 0.14%, and in already rotten meat – 2% or more.
• An example of spore-forming bacteria is Clostridia.
• Non-spore-forming bacteria are Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Despite the diversity of physiological groups, united according to the characteristics of saprophyte, the final products of the activity of these bacteria have almost the same composition:

• cadaveric poisons (biogenic amines with a strong unpleasant cadaveric odor; as such, the toxicity of these compounds is low);
• aromatic compounds such as skatole and indole;
• hydrogen sulfide, thiols, dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.

Of all the listed decay products, the most dangerous and toxic to humans are the latter (hydrogen sulfide, thiols and dimethyl sulfoxide). They cause severe poisoning, even death.

Reproduction

This parasitic fungus can reproduce both asexually and sexually. This fact makes it very tenacious, quickly spreading in nature and dangerous.

How does it reproduce?

In primarily asexual reproduction, mucor reproduces through spores. Threads emerge from the mycelium, which at the end have black heads with seeds. When the spores ripen, the head bursts under the influence of dampness and heat and they are carried by the wind over long distances throughout the area. If conditions are favorable, mold attaches and germinates, forming a mycelium.

During sexual reproduction, two branches of mycelia merge and form a diploid zygote. In humid and warm conditions it germinates into a hypha. The sporangium is born on the hypha.

habitat

Saprophytes prefer a moist environment with low temperatures. These organisms require oxygen to perform their vital functions. Development also requires an environment with a neutral pH or a small amount of acid.

Fungi can live on the vast majority of solid substrates because their hyphae allow them to penetrate different layers. Bacteria can also be found in a variety of media, preferring liquid or semi-liquid media.

One of the natural habitats of bacteria is the human body. There are several types of saprophytic bacteria in the intestines. They can also be found in plants, standing water, dead animals, manure and decayed wood.

Mold is a major factor in the decomposition of freshwater and saltwater.

tree

These organisms are the main wood decomposers because it is an excellent source of cellulose. His preference for wood is an aspect of great environmental significance.

This predilection for wood is also a nuisance as they attack wooden structures such as house foundations, furniture, etc. This can have negative consequences for the timber industry.

leaves

Fallen leaves are a source of cellulose, so they are a great way for fungi to grow. They attack all types of leaves, although in some species, such as Gymnopus perforans, they live in certain types of leaves, abandoning others.

Fuco

This nutrient-rich plant matter washes up on beaches. It consists of algae and some land plants that have fallen into the water. Fungi active in this environment are found in marine habitats.

One such example is Dendrifiella salina, which is commonly found in the mushrooms Sigmoidea marina and Acremonium fuci.

manure

This material is rich in nutrients, so mushrooms quickly colonize them. Some species that breed in manure are Coprinellus pusillulus and Coprinellus cheilimenia.

Main differences between saprophytic fungi and parasites

It is incorrect to assume that any microorganisms that feed on organic food are parasitic. Parasites include those organisms that survive at the expense of others. They can settle both inside a body and outside.

Saprophytes feed only on the remains of plants or animals. These include soil and mold fungi, as well as mold bacteria. Thus, the main differences between saprophytes and parasites are several features:

1. Method of existence and nature of nutrition of organisms: parasitic individuals feed on the organic structures of a living host; saprophytes live on dead plant bodies.
2. Unlike parasites, saprophytes usually do not cause harm to the human body.
3. The habitat for saprophytes can be both living and non-living structures. Parasites live only in a living organism.

In some cases, fungi turn from parasites into saprophytes, which initially settle on living plants, and after their death continue to live, feeding on dead wood. Such fungi are called symbionts.

Heterotrophs

In biology, heterotrophs are organisms that receive nutrients from prepared foods. Unlike autotrophs, heterotrophs are not able to independently form organic substances from inorganic compounds.

Examples of heterotrophs in biology are:

• animals from protozoa to humans;
• mushrooms;
• some bacteria.

The structure of heterotrophs suggests the possibility of breaking down complex organic substances into simpler compounds. In single-celled organisms, organic substances are broken down in lysosomes.

Multicellular animals eat food with their mouths and break it down in the gastrointestinal tract with the help of enzymes. Fungi absorb substances from the external environment like plants.

Organic compounds are absorbed along with water.

According to the source of nutrition, heterotrophs are divided into two groups:

• consumers - animals that eat other organisms;
• decomposers are organisms that decompose organic remains.

According to the method of feeding (food absorption), consumers are classified as phagotrophs (holozoans). This group includes animals that eat organisms in parts. Reducers are osmotrophs and absorb organic substances from solutions. These include fungi and bacteria.

Heterotrophs can use living and non-living organisms as food. In this regard, the following are highlighted:

• biotrophs - feed exclusively on living creatures (herbivores and carnivores);
• saprotrophs - feed on dead plants and animals, their remains and excrement.

Biotrophs include:

• phytophages - animals that feed on plants (horse, grape snail, bees);
• zoophages - animals that use other animals for food (fox, spider, octopus);
• Parasites are organisms that use the host’s body for food without killing it (roundworms, mites).

Rice. 1. Biotrophs.

Saprotrophs include animals that eat corpses (hyenas, vultures, Tasmanian devils) or excrement (fly larvae), as well as fungi and bacteria that decompose organic remains.

Some living things are capable of photosynthesis, i.e. They are both autotrophs and heterotrophs at the same time. Such organisms are called mixotrophs. These include the eastern emerald elysia (mollusk), cyanobacteria, some protozoa, and insectivorous plants.

Multicellular animals are consumers of several orders:

• first - they feed on plant foods (cows, hare, most insects);
• second - they feed on consumers of the first order (wolf, owl, human);
• third - they eat consumers of the third order, etc. (snake, hawk).

One organism can simultaneously be a consumer of the first and second or second and third order. For example, hedgehogs mainly eat insects, but will not refuse snakes and berries, i.e. Hedgehogs are simultaneously consumers of the first, second and third order.

Rice. 2. Example of a food chain.

Yeasts, fungi and heterotrophic bacteria are divided into three types according to their feeding method:

• saprophytes - use waste products and decaying tissues of animals and plants (most bacteria) as food;
• symbionts - are in a close positive relationship with other organisms (human E. coli, porcini mushrooms and oak);
• parasites – feed at the expense of another organism, causing damage to cells and tissues (dysentery bacillus, Koch bacillus, ergot).

Rice. 3. Saprophyte mushrooms.

Saprophytes play an important role in the cycle of substances and are decomposers in the food chain. Thanks to decomposers, all organic remains are destroyed and turned into humus - a nutrient medium for plants.

Viruses are neither heterotrophs nor autotrophs, because have the properties of inanimate matter. They do not require nutrients to reproduce.

Heterotrophs feed on ready-made organic substances, which they obtain by eating other organisms - plants, fungi, animals.

Decomposers that decompose organic remains include fungi and bacteria.

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How does infection occur?

The source of pathogenic bacteria is contaminated food and water. It is possible for adults and children to become infected from cats and dogs that have had Proteus enteritis. Food products at risk include meat, dairy and fish dishes. Most of the intestinal diseases caused by the activity of Proteus spp. (from 75 to 90%), causes the species Pr. Mirabilis.

Microorganisms belonging to the genus Proteus can also cause diseases of the human excretory and reproductive systems. The appearance of these bacteria can cause symptoms of such diseases in adults and children as prostatitis (both acute and chronic), cystitis, pyelonephritis (in particular, infection with Proteus is the cause of most xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis). There is also evidence that Pr. Mirabilis is one of the most common causes of wound infections.

Unlike its more aggressive counterpart, Proteus vulgaris is one of the bacteria that is part of the normal intestinal microflora, and is also a saprophyte that feeds on organic debris, lives in the ground, dirty water or manure.

Living world

Saprophytes occupy an important place in the cycle of substances in nature, breaking down complex organic substances into simple ones, cleaning the world from the rotting remains of animals. Who belongs to this group of hard workers? Saprophytes are quite widespread in the world.

Examples of them can be found in every kingdom. They are found in abundance among bacteria (single-celled protozoa), among fungi (from mold to mushrooms consumed by humans), among plants (from algae to flowering plants such as orchids).

Among animals there are also saprophytes (we will also name examples of them). However, then it would be more correct to call them saprotrophs or saprophages. In the animal world, saprophytes include some insects (dung beetles, leather beetles, fly larvae and other insects), earthworms, and many crustaceans (crayfish, benthic amphipods). Among the large representatives of the animal world are birds (crows, vultures, vultures), some fish and various animals (hyenas, bears and everyone who has to eat carrion).

Features of treatment

Treatment of infections in adults, children, domestic animals (dogs and cats) caused by microorganisms of the genus Proteus is carried out using antibiotics. The most effective are rifaximin and nifuroxazide. To combat Pr. Mirabilis is prescribed amoxicillin, nifurantel, cephalosporins. The presence of Pr strains should be taken into account. Mirabilis resistant to amoxicillin (also called indole-positive). Treatment of Proteus infections with tetracyclines is ineffective, since all of them are resistant to this antibiotic. But self-medication in such cases is unacceptable; you must consult a specialist.

When treating a child, it is mandatory to prescribe him probiotics. Bacterial preparations, seeding the intestines, create healthy competition for Proteus, causing a gradual decrease in its numbers and restoration of the normal composition of the intestinal microflora. Probiotics are an essential part of the treatment of bacterial infections in adults and children. They are taken on an empty stomach. The duration of the course must be at least 2 weeks.

Symptomatic treatment of Proteus infections in a child consists of prescribing medications that lower the temperature and relieve pain and inflammation.

Treatment of a child necessarily includes a special diet, from which fatty and spicy foods and allergenic foods are excluded. It is useful to give your baby boiled water.

If left untreated, Proteus enteritis can lead to the development of kidney failure in both adults and children.