Microbiota of the GI Tract

Question 1

Describe the changes in bacterial environment as you travel down the GI tract

Answer 1

Increasingly anaerobic conditions
Increasing bacterial density
Increasing dominance of obligate anaerobes

Question 2

What do the terms “aerobic” and “anaerobic” mean in reference to bacteria?

Answer 2

Anaerobic- living in the absence of air

Aerobic- living in the presence of air

Question 3

What are the main functions of the gut microbiota?

Answer 3

Metabolism of dietary components
Production of metabolites essential to maintain health
Development of immune system/immune priming
Host signalling
Modification of host secretions
Defence against pathogens