In ruminants like cattle, bacteria present in ______ helps in digestion of cellulose.

rumen

The correct answer is Option (1) -rumen

In ruminants like cattle, bacteria present in: Rumen

help in the digestion of cellulose.

The rumen is the first chamber of the stomach in ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. It is a large fermentation vat where microbial fermentation of ingested plant material, including cellulose, occurs. Bacteria, along with protozoa and fungi, reside in the rumen and play a crucial role in breaking down complex carbohydrates like cellulose into simpler molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the animal.

These bacteria possess enzymes called cellulases, which are capable of breaking down the complex cellulose molecule into smaller units, such as glucose. This process of cellulose digestion by rumen bacteria is essential for ruminants to extract energy from plant-based diets, which are rich in cellulose but difficult to digest without microbial assistance.

Therefore, the rumen serves as a fermentation chamber where bacteria aid in the breakdown of cellulose, allowing ruminants to derive nutrients and energy from fibrous plant material as part of their diet.