It allows them to take in food, digest food, and eliminate wastes all at the same time. Roundworms have a tough covering of cuticle on the surface of their body. It prevents their body from expanding.
Why are roundworms important to humans?
The roundworm has for example been used to study the nervous system and the first cell divisions of the fertilised egg cell. Sulfated glycosaminoglycans, extended carbohydrate chains decorated with negatively charged sulfate groups, have important functions both during early embryonic development and in adults.
What are economic importance of roundworms?
Although some nematodes are beneficial in the manner in which they break down dead or decaying matter, many are of considerable economic importance: a great number are pests of animals and plant crops, while others are the cause of serious illnesses in humans.
How are some roundworms beneficial?
Many species of nematodes are 'free-living', living in soil, sea and freshwater. These feed on bacteria, fungi, protozoans and even other nematodes, and play a very important role in nutrient cycling and release of nutrients for plant growth. Other nematodes attack insects, and help to control insect pests.
What impact do roundworms have?
Roundworms do pose a significant risk to humans. Contact with contaminated soil or dog feces can result in human ingestion and infection. Roundworm eggs may accumulate in significant numbers in the soil where pets deposit feces. Once infected, the worms can cause eye, lung, heart and neurologic signs in people.
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