The ecology of the gut Flashcards
Where are bacteria, archaea and fungi normally found in the human body?
skin, urinary tract, vagina, mouth and digestive tract
Define ‘human supra organism’
combination of eukaryotic & prokaryotic cells in human body
What is plaque?
biofilm of different bacteria species which attach onto teeth & mature into an anaerobic community causing caries & periodontitis
How does sugar damage teeth?
converted to lactic acid that attacks enamel in conjunction with proteolytic enzymes. even when low plaque produces complex matrix which matures into tartar
what is the leading cause of tooth loss?
periodontal disease
How does streptomyces species increase stroke risk?
cause blood clots
How to prevent gum disease?
remove biofilm of plaque - brushing
prevent bleeding of gums - fluoride toothpaste and chlorhexidine - disrupts bacterial membrane
How is gut microbiota acquired?
usually from parents or siblings some from birth canal
What are the two main phyla found in intestines?
Firmicutes
Bacteriodetes
What are the other three less common phyla found in intestines?
proteobacteria
actinobacteria
methanobacteria
What are the 4 classifications of intestinal microorganisms called and define them?
Symbionts - mutually beneficial to human health
Commensals - no effect to host or human only to commensal
Pathobionts - commensals that can cause disease
Pathogens - cause disease not normally resident in intestine
Why does normal microbiota not cause inflammation of intestines?
Unstirred layer & mucosa physically impede bacteria invasion
mucosa contains antimicrobial factors
gut bacteria communicate with immune system
