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Coral polyps, which are animals, and zooxanthellae, the specialized cells that live within them, have a mutualistic relationship. This means there is a positive relationship between two things and both benefit from the relationship. This animation shows how the products created by the coral polyp and zooxanthellae cells are provided to each other for their mutual benefit. Coral polyps produce carbon dioxide and water as byproducts of cellular respiration. The zooxanthellae cells use the carbon dioxide and water to carry out photosynthesis. Sugars, fats, and oxygen are some of the products of photosynthesis. The coral polyp then uses these products to grow and carry out cellular respiration. The tight recycling of products between the polyp cells and the zooxanthellae is the driving force behind the growth and productivity of coral reefs. Figure credit: NOAA
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