biotrofiikan

Biotrofiikan is a term used in biology to describe a type of parasitism where the parasite feeds on a living host organism. This is distinct from necrotrophic parasites, which feed on dead host tissue. Biotrophic parasites require a living host to complete their life cycle and often induce minimal initial damage to the host, aiming to maintain its viability for as long as possible to ensure their own survival and reproduction.

Many plant pathogens, such as certain fungi and oomycetes, exhibit biotrophy. These pathogens establish a close, often intracellular, relationship with host cells without causing rapid cell death. Instead, they manipulate host metabolism to obtain nutrients and suppress the host's defense responses. Examples include powdery mildew and rust fungi on plants. Animal parasites can also be biotrophic, such as some protozoa and helminths that reside within host tissues or organs, drawing nourishment without immediately killing their host. The success of biotrophic parasites hinges on their ability to establish a delicate balance with their host, exploiting its resources while avoiding triggering a fatal immune or defense response. This parasitic strategy allows for sustained nutrient acquisition and the potential for long-term host colonization.