Question

What would happen if our intestine harbours microbial flora exactly similar to that found in the rumen of cattle?

Answer 1

Rumen:

The rumen of cattle contain methanogens like Methanobacterium. These organisms are anaerobic bacteria that help in the breakdown of cellulose, thus helping the cattle to derive energy from raw plant material that it feeds on.




Humans and methanogens:

• If humans had methanogens, the digestion of cellulose would have been possible. As a result, raw plant products would have been a staple food for humans. The requirement of cooking plant products would therefore cease.
• The fecal matter of humans would have contained a lot of the methanogens. Therefore, the fecal matter would have been used in biogas plants.