The microbiome & microbiota

Question 1

What is the microbiome?

Answer 1

The collective name for the genes of every microbe in a certain defined area such as the human body or a pond. This is comparable to the metagenome in other, larger ecosystems.

Question 2

What is the microbiota?

Answer 2

The collective name for all the individual microbe within a certain defined area like the human body or a petri dish. It is equivalent to the community or biota in other, larger ecosystems.

Question 3

What are probiotics?

Answer 3

Products consumed by humans containing live microbes with the intent to promote gut health and “boost” the immune system

Question 4

What are antibiotics ?

Answer 4

Substances used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria

Question 5

What are prebiotics?

Answer 5

Non-digestible food fibres that promote tye growth and activity of benificial bacteria in the gut microbiome

Question 6

Describe the three ways comppetitive exclusion protects the gut from infections

Answer 6

1. By simply taking up space, preventing or making it harder for pathogens gtom establishing themselves 2. Producing antimicrobial compounds/substances – beneficial bacteria release bacteriocinc, microcins and other roxins that inhibit pathogenic bacteria 3. Create an anerobic environment – SCFA’s trigger the gut lining to produce oxygen, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria (mostly anaerobes) from thriving in the gut

Question 7

How does the human microbiome impact human health?

Answer 7

The microbiome aids in digestion, supports the immune system, produces vitamins like vitamin K (E. Coli), protects against pathogens. The microbiome may affect the central nervous system and impact mood and social capacity.