Question

Difference Between Parasites and Saprotrophs.

Answer 1

1. The organisms, which thrive on or within another organism, known as the host, and generally result in some harm to it are the parasites. These organisms demonstrate the phenomenon of parasitism.
2. The organisms, which feed on decayed and dead organic matter are known as saprophytes.

Parasites	Saprophytes
1. These organisms use intracellular digestion.	1. These organisms use extracellular digestion.
2. Parasites attain nutrition from the host via a unique organ known as haustoria.	2. Saprophytes get nutrition via their cell wall.
3. Parasites are either multicellular, unicellular, or filamentous	3. Saprophytes are filamentous or unicellular amoeboid.
4. They generate harmful effects on their host.	4. They do not generate any harmful effects.
5. They do not do any essential activity in the ecosystem, they only exhibit harmful effects.	5. They perform an essential part in the recycling process in the ecosystem. They take part in the biogeochemical cycles.
6. They do not secrete or discharge any specific enzymes.	6. They secrete enzymes, which help to digest the dead and decaying organic matter.
7. They reproduce both sexually and asexually.	7. They reproduce through simple division or spore formation.
8. Examples are plasmodium, fleas, mites, roundworms, Cuscuta, etc.	8. examples are mushrooms and bacteria.