4.2 Microbiota Flashcards
What is microbiota ?
community of microorganisms that inhabit a particular environment, such as the human body or a specific ecosystem
What is the microbiome ?
collective genomes of the micro-organisms in a particular environment (collection of all their genetic material - RNA/DNA)
What parts of the human body do microorganisms inhabit ? where is vast majority ?
- gastrointestinal tract
- skin
- saliva
- oral mucosa
- conjunctiva
- vast majority in colon
The microbiome plays a critical role in human health, supporting processes such as what ?
- maining intestinal integrity and supporting barrier function
- Breaking down food
- Providing essential vitamins, nutrients and beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate
- Regulating the immune system
- Protecting against infection through secretion of bacteriocins and antagonising pathogens
- Contributing to mental health
- Regulating metabolism
What are the methods of microbiota acquisition in babies ?
- vertical = transferred from parent to offspring
- horizontal = microbial colonisation after germination/birth/hatching from environment or conspecifics
- or combination of both
What are the 4 dominant gut microbial phyla ?
Firm Bacteria Are Powerful
- Firmicutes
- Bacteroidetes
- Actinobacteria
- Proteobacteria
How is dysbiosis often defined as?
an alteration of gut microbiota composition and a cause or a consequence of disorders
Example of genus of bacteria included in the phylum firmicutes
- lactobacillus
- bacillus
- clostridium
- streptococcus
- enterococus
- ruminococus
Example of genus of bacterium in phylum bacteroidetes
- bacteroides
- prevotella
example of genus of bactiera in actinobacteria phylum
bifidobacterium
example of bacteria in proteobacteria phyla
- escherichia coli
- helicobacter pylori
- enterbacterias
- campilobacterias
List the types of microorganisms found in the human microbiota
- bacteria
- viruses
- fungi
- archea
- protozoa
The viruses found in the human microbiota are predominantly ….1… which .2… and …3.. within bacterial cells
- bacteriophages
- infect
- replicate
Most common fungi species that is found in the human microbiota ?
candida
Example of archea that is found in the human microbiota and what it is
methanobrevibacter, type of methanogen helps with host’s nutrient break down
Function of firmicutes ?
- break down complex carbohydrates
- regulate immune system
- promote integrity of the git barrier
- fermentation of dietary fiber
- synthesis of vitamins like vitamin K
- Firmicutes break down complex carbohydrates producing what ?
- Give examples of the answer above
- short chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
- acetate, propionate, butyrate
Function of bacteriodetes ?
1. metabolise…
2. contribute to…
3. maintenance of..
- metabolise plant polysaccharides and dietary fiber
- contribute to production of SCFAs in immune modulation
- mainetenance of intestinal homeostasis
Function of actinobacteria?
- ferement carbohydrates
- produce lactic acid
- compete with harmful bacteria for resources in the gut
- maintenance of a balanced gut microbiota
- support immune function
Phylum proteobacteria include many ..1.. species, some ..2.. and play important roles in gut health.
They can produce SCFAs and contribute to the breakdown of …3..
- pathogenic
- commensals
- complex carbohydrates
list examples of genera that most bacteria belong to
brb pc fep
- bacteroides
- clostridium
- fusobacterium
- eubacterium
- ruminococcus
- peptococcus
- peptostreptococcus
- bifidobacterium
Which genera are present to a lesser extent for bacteria ?
- escherichia
- lactobacillus
- Which genus is suggests to be especially important in the functioning of the host ?
- why is this ?
- bacteroides
- species from the genus alone constitue about 30% of all bacteria in the gut
What are the 4 main functions of gut microbiota ?
- promotes digestion by facilitating the absorption of nutrients
- helps the digestive tract to function properly
- creates a barrier against pathogens and toxins
- plays a defensive role in the development of the immune system
In vertical transmission of microbiota to baby, what are the 2 main sources of microbiota for the baby ?
- mother’s vaginal bacteria
- mother’s gut bacteria
‘mother’s vaginal bacteria’ as a source of microbiota for the baby:
[GBS = Group B Streptococcus]
Onset of labor leads to ..1….
GBS bacteria travels up the vagina to ..2..
GBS bacteria can also transfer as baby moves ..3.. during labour
..4… of GBS bacteria into baby’s lungs
- rupturing of membranes
- amniotic fluid
- down birth canal
- aspiration
Vertical transmission: mother’s gut bacteria
Baby exposed to GBS bacteria from contact with ?
maternal fecal mattering during birth process
Why would having a C-section rather than a vaginal delivery impact the microbiota of the baby ?
Certain vaginal and gut bacteria from the mother are transferred to the baby via vertical transmission, which occurs during vaginal delivery.