The Human Microbiome Flashcards
What is the goal of the human microbiome project?
To identify and characterise the micro organisms found in both healthy and diseased individuals
Define microbiota.
The microbial taxa of organisms that reside in and on the host
Define microbiome
The collective genomes of all organisms
What are the aims of phase 2 of the human microbiome project?
To characterise the host and microbiome via community composition, microbial pathways, virome profiles, Antibody profiles, cytokine profiles, metabolomics, epigenome profiles, metaproteomics, metatranscriptomics, host genomes
On the body, where are the hotspots for microbial life?
The nasal tract, oral tract, skin, GI tract, urogenital tract
Which maternal factors may influence the origins of microbiota?
The microbiotic of the mother, vaginal infection, tooth decay
During bath, which factors may affect the origins of microbiota?
Whether or not the birth was natural or via C section
What postnatal factors may affect the origins of microbiota?
Antibiotics, breastfeeding, host genetics, environment
Which factors during infancy may affect the origins of microbiota?
Milk consumption, solid food introduction
As a toddler, what is the main factor that may affect microbiota?
Diet
What are the features of bacteriodetes?
They are gram-negative, anaerobic, non-spore forming, and specialists for degradation.
What are the features of firmicutes?
Gram-positive, cocci or rod shaped, have oxygen sensitivities, produce short chain fatty acids
What are the features of actinobacteria?
Gram-positive, found in nature, source of bioactive molecules, widely used as a probiotic
What are the features of fusobacteria?
Gram-negative, anaerobic, non-spore forming, reside in mucus membranes of mammals, may be pathogenic
What are the features of proteobacteria?
Gram-negative, found in nature, human pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella
