Zaymiey

🔬 Biology  ·  Microbes in Human Welfare  ·  NEET

In the Anabaena-Azolla symbiosis used in paddy fields, what is the specific role of each partner?

Answer: Anabaena fixes N 2 providing it to Azolla which provides carbon through photosynthesis.

  • A Azolla fixes atmospheric N<sub>2</sub> directly while Anabaena supplies it with photosynthates instead
  • B Anabaena fixes N<sub>2</sub> providing it to Azolla which provides carbon through photosynthesis
  • C Both Azolla and Anabaena independently fix nitrogen on their own without cooperating at all
  • D Azolla supplies dissolved soil minerals while Anabaena instead supplies water uptake support

Correct answer: B. Anabaena fixes N<sub>2</sub> providing it to Azolla which provides carbon through photosynthesis

Explanation: In the Anabaena-Azolla symbiosis, Anabaena (a cyanobacterium in leaf cavities) fixes atmospheric N<sub>2</sub> using heterocysts, providing fixed nitrogen to Azolla, while Azolla provides carbohydrates through photosynthesis.

Sewage Treatment FlowPrimaryphysical filtering+ sedimentationSecondary (aerobic)aeration tank, flocsconsume organic matterActivated sludgesettles out;part reused as inoculumSludge digesterANAEROBIC →biogas (CH₄)Note the switch: aerobic microbes in the tank, anaerobic microbes in the digester

Sewage passes through physical removal (primary), then aerobic biological treatment where microbes form flocs that consume organic matter (secondary); the settled activated sludge is then digested anaerobically to produce biogas - a deliberate switch from aerobic to anaerobic conditions between stages.

Concept context

Microorganisms in food, medicine, sewage treatment, biocontrol, and biofertilizers

Read the full Microbes in Human Welfare notes →