microbiomes_micro5

Microbiome

All the microorganisms in an environment, such as soil, water, plants, or the human gut.

Normal Microbiome

The typical community of microorganisms found in a healthy human body, which can vary between individuals.

Microbial Antagonism

A phenomenon where normal microbiota prevent the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms.

16S rRNA gene sequencing

A method used to identify and compare bacteria by sequencing a portion of their ribosomal RNA gene.

Fecal Transplants

A medical procedure to restore a healthy microbiome to patients whose microbiota has been disrupted.

Probiotics

Bacteria that are thought to be beneficial to health and are an area of active research.

Highly Conserved Sequence

A sequence in an organism's genome that has remained relatively unchanged throughout evolutionary history.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

Culture Bacteria

A traditional method used to identify microbes by growing them in controlled conditions, though it has limitations.

Host Environment

Factors such as diet or health that influence the composition of the microbiome.

Microbial Ecology

The study of how microorganisms interact with each other and their environments.

Metagenomics

The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples, allowing for the analysis of microbial communities.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the microbial community that can lead to disease.

Biofilm

A structured community of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-produced matrix, often found on surfaces.

Antimicrobial Resistance

The ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of medications that once killed them or inhibited their growth.

Prebiotics

Substances that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms, often found in dietary fibers.

Host-Microbe Interactions

The various ways that microbes and their host organisms influence one another.

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria, potentially used in therapy against bacterial infections.

Porobiotic

A category of probiotics specifically designed to survive gastrointestinal transit and provide health benefits.

Symbiosis

A mutually beneficial relationship between microorganisms and their hosts.