Ingestion and decomposition of wood and cellulose by the protozoa in the hindgut of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) as evidenced by polarizing and transmission electron microscopy

摘要: Ingestion and decomposition of wood cellulose by the three protozoa in hindgut Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were investigated using polarizing microscopy transmission electron (TEM). Most fragments ingested two larger protozoa, Pseudotrichonympha grassii Koidzumi Holomastigotoides hartmanni Koidzumi, but not smallest species, Spirotrichonympha leidyi Koidzumi. Little observed fluid. TEM observations body P. H. clearly indicated that polysaccharides such as completely decomposed to water-soluble materials protozoan enzymes, lignin residues released a loose fibrous materials.