Reader Microbiomes and Health

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to microbiomes and their implications in health, emphasizing the relationship between microbes and hosts.

Holobiont

An animal along with all its microbial symbionts, emphasizing their interdependence.

Microbiome

The community of microbes within their environment, including their metabolites and interactions with the host.

Biofilm

Aggregates of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and can communicate chemically, enabling both beneficial and pathogenic interactions.

Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU)

Classification units used to group bacteria based on a similarity threshold, commonly 97% for the 16S gene.

Transformation

A process where bacteria take up DNA from their environment.

Conjugation

A method of horizontal gene transfer where a donor bacteria transfers plasmid DNA to a recipient through a sex pilus.

SCFAs (Short Chain Fatty Acids)

Fatty acids produced by bacterial fermentation that provide energy for host cells and play roles in immune regulation.

Commensal Microbes

Microbes that live in harmony with the host, typically without harming human health.

Interleukins

Signaling molecules that communicate between immune cells to trigger anti-inflammatory or inflammatory responses.

Pathogenicity

The ability of a microorganism to produce disease.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the microbial community, characterized by a decrease in commensals and an increase in pathobionts.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host.

Prebiotics

Non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth and activity of beneficial microbes.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and reproduce despite the presence of antibiotics.

Tryptophan

An amino acid involved in the production of serotonin and regulation of immune response.

Cytokines

Small proteins involved in cell signaling, especially in immune responses.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Receptors that recognize molecular patterns associated with pathogens and damage.

MAMPs (Microbe-Associated Molecular Patterns)

Molecular patterns derived from microbes that trigger immune responses.

Fecal Microbiota Transplant

The process of transferring microbiota from a healthy donor to a recipient to restore microbial balance.