Microbiome Flashcards
What is the best protection from GI infection?
Normal gut flora
What is the most heavily colonized organ in the human body
Colon
How does the number of microbiota change as you go down the GI tract?
Increases
Where do our commensal bacteria come from?
Birth determines the initial colonizers and the first week is favorable conditions for growth
What is the predominate type of bacteria received through breast milk?
Bifidobacteria
What is the function of fusobacterium species?
Help form a scaffold for many other bacteria in the oral biofilm
What is the function of Streptococcus mitis species?
Typically forms a biofilm on the hard enamel surfaces
What is the function of Prevotella species?
Natural antibiotic resistance
What type of bacteria can cause an oral infection called thrush?
Candida albicans
What are the protective functions of the microbiota?
Pathogen displacement, nutrient competition, receptor competition, production of anti-microbial factors
What are the structural functions of microbiota?
Barrier fortification, induction of IgA, apical tightening of tight junctions, immune system development
What are the metabolic functions of the microbiota?
Control IEC differentiation/proliferation; metabolize dietary carcinogens, synthesize vitamins (biotin, folate, K), ferment non-digestable residue and endogenous epithelial-derived mucus, ion absorption (Mg, Ca, Fe), Salvage of energy
What is the fermentation of carbohydrates?
FIber is degraded by commensals within the colon to form oligo- and mono-saccharides which are further metabolized into short chain fatty acids
How can the short chain fatty acids produced through microbial fermentation be utilized?
GPCR signaling, HDAC inhibition, energy source for the liver
What types of amino acids are produced by commensals?
Aromatic amino acids, sulfur amino acids,
