Human Microbiome and Terminology Flashcards

This set of 45 vocabulary flashcards covers essential terminology, benefits, and components of the human microbiome based on lecture notes.

Normal microbiota

Microorganisms that normally live on or in the body without causing disease.

Resident microbiota

Permanent microorganisms that normally live on the body.

Transient microbiota

Temporary microorganisms that may remain for days, weeks, or months.

Microbiota

The microorganisms living on and in the body.

Microbiome

The collection of all the genes (genomes) carried by the microbiota.

Symbiosis

A long-term relationship between two organisms.

Commensalism

One organism benefits while the other is unaffected.

Mutualism

Both organisms benefit.

Parasitism

One organism benefits while the other is harmed.

Opportunistic pathogen

Normally harmless microorganism that causes disease when given the opportunity.

Infectious disease

Disease caused by microorganisms that invade and multiply in the host.

Disease

Damage or disruption of normal body function.

Probiotic

Live microorganisms that provide a health benefit.

Bacteriocins

Proteins produced by bacteria that inhibit or kill closely related bacteria.

Vitamin K

A vitamin produced by the normal flora as a health benefit for the host.

Vitamin B12

A vitamin produced by the benefits of normal flora.

Competitive exclusion

When normal flora occupy attachment sites and consume nutrients so pathogens cannot colonize.

Microbial antagonism

The production of acids, peroxides, and bacteriocins that inhibit other microbes.

Tissue development

A benefit of normal flora that helps develop intestines, certain lymphatic tissues, and capillary density.

Cross-reactive antibodies

Antibodies whose production is stimulated by the presence of normal flora.

Skin

One of the major microbiome areas of the body.

Oral cavity

A major microbiome area excluded from the gut microbiome classification.

Vagina

One of the major microbiome areas listed.

Structural defense

The first line of defense consisting of skin and mucous membranes.

Mechanical defense

The first line of defense consisting of sweat, saliva, tears, and mucus flow.

Biochemical defense

The first line of defense consisting of low skin pH, fatty acids, lysozyme, and lactoperoxidase.

Sebaceous glands

Glands in the skin that produce oil known as sebum.

Sebum

The oil produced by sebaceous glands.

Hypocrine/Eccrine sweat

Sweat produced for cooling the body.

Apocrine sweat

Sweat that begins at puberty and is rich in lipids and nutrients.

Gastric juice

Highly acidic juice found in the stomach.

Intestinal juice

Fluid containing neutralizing substances, digestive enzymes, hormones, and mucus.

Gut Microbiome

Characteristics of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Low oxygen

An environmental limitation of the gut microbiome.

Acid resistance

An adaptation used by gut microbes to survive stomach acid.

Facultative anaerobes/anaerobes

Types of microorganisms adapted to the low oxygen conditions of the gut.

Nutrient adaptation

The gut adaptation of utilizing multiple niches.

Cooperation

An adaptation strategy used by microorganisms in the gut microbiome.

Dysbiosis

Imbalance of the normal microbiome.

Antibiotic use

A primary cause of dysbiosis.

Poor diet

One of the causes of an imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis).

Weakened intestinal barrier

A result of dysbiosis that impacts gut health.

Vitamin deficiency

A result of dysbiosis linked to poor nutrient absorption.

Staphylococcus aureus

A member of the normal microbiota that can become an opportunistic pathogen.

Clostridium difficile

An organism that can overgrow after antibiotic use and cause dysbiosis.