Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host). This interaction often leads to harm or disease in the host.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Parasitism can occur in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths.
Parasites can be obligate (requiring a host to complete their life cycle) or facultative (can live both with or without a host).
Common examples of parasitic relationships include Plasmodium species causing malaria and various bacteria causing infections.
In microbiomes, parasitism can influence the composition and function of microbial communities within hosts.
The immune response of the host plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of parasitic infections.